Bongo Maffin and Zonke were recently announced as the supporting acts in the All-White Soul Sessions Concert taking place at SunBet Arena in Pretoria on 7 September 2024. This follows the recent announcement of Dru Hill as the headline act for this concert. Thandiswa Mazwai who is the leading lady in Bongo Maffin will not be part of the concert. An executive decision was made by other band members to proceed with the show despite her not being available on the booking dates.
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Thandiswa is currently in the US preparing for her tour. “She is in the US as we speak and is touring there, she will not be performing with Dru Hill,” and associate says. When the announcement was made, Thandiswa sarcastically wished her fellow band members luck. “May the boys enjoy.” Her comment raised much suspicion among her fans that there might be some tension. “Performance surely won’t be the same without you,” said one follower. “This is basically, count me out,” said another.” Thandiswa refused to elaborate any further. However, her associates says, “Thandiswa is busy, the poster came out without her face in it, so they decided to go ahead. I mean also, Dru Hill was not going to change dates because Thandiswa is unavailable. However, the artists could have been booked as individuals to perform on the day and not as Bongo Maffin because they also have individual careers.”
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An insider revealed that Speedy is tired of Thandiswa calling the shots. “She has been calling the shots for years and controlling the group’s dynamics. She needs to leave the group and they find a replacement, and continue touring and performing as Bongo Maffin with a new member.” A source says the male members have been performing without Thandiswa. “Oh please, they have been taking bookings without her for a long time. But who can they also blame, she has been succeeding as a solo artist, and not so much in the group. It’s been so long now, they need to heal and accept that Bongo Maffin is a legacy group but might not ever get to release music together again unless it’s a special tribute.” Speedy did not wish to comment on the matter, Stoan Seate said, Bongo Maffin still exists, “But we have been pursuing our individual interests as well. We link up when we can.” Multi-award-winning sensation, Zonke says, “I am so excited to be part of the All-White Soul Sessions Concert once again. What makes it more exciting is that I will be sharing the stage with Bongo Maffin, who are legendary stars in their own right,” she says. “ Sharing the stage with Dru Hill…I don’t know what to say. For me it’s one of those “pinch me” moments, we grew up listening to them and to share the stage with them is something else. I can’t wait for this day to come.
Bongi Sikelo 