Latest news with #Mörda
IOL News
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- IOL News
Unmissable events in Joburg: from musical collaborations to Christmas in July
Murdah Bongz also known as Mörda. Bassline Live presents 'History of House' with Mörda and the Soweto Gospel Choir Two musical powerhouses are coming together for a musical spectacle in Joburg this weekend. This concert will see a collaboration between the three-time Grammy Award-winner, the Soweto Gospel Choir's 'History of House', as well as the Grammy-nominated Mörda, whose real name is Bongani Mohosana. It is expected to fuse the choir's emotional depth with the 'Horns in the Sun' hitmaker's Afro-futuristic sound. Attendees are also urged to bring something to donate to the Nelson Mandela Foundation as part of Mandela Day festivities. Where: The Lyric Theatre at Gold Reef City Casino. When: Friday, July 18, from 8pm.
News24
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- News24
Gospel meets house music: Mörda and Soweto Gospel Choir collaborate for History of House
Grammy-nominated DJ Bongani 'Mörda' Mohosana and three-time Grammy Award-winning Soweto Gospel Choir have teamed up for a one-night show. They are preparing for an explosive performance at The Lyric Theatre in Johannesburg. During a visit to their rehearsals in Soweto, the energy in the room hinted at an electrifying show ahead. The upcoming performance promised a unique fusion of soulful gospel, cutting-edge house beats, and authentic South African musical traditions. Speaking to City Press, former Black Motion member Mohosana shared his excitement about collaborating with the renowned choir. He expressed appreciation for their openness, saying he liked that they did not expect him to change who he was. Known for his dynamic dance moves on stage, Mohosana joked that the stage needed to be strong. 'The connection has been there since the first day I met them. On day one of the rehearsals, we were still trying to figure out what we were going to do, and I did not bring my equipment, but the energy was amazing. I could tell that they were also excited and ready, so I cannot wait,' he said. The two musical forces had started rehearsing together earlier in the week and had already begun creating new music, said Mohosana. He called it an opportunity that couldn't be turned down and described the collaboration as a blessing. The DJ, who released Asante III earlier this year, revealed that this would not be the last time he worked with the choir. If all went well, they hoped to collaborate on more projects and possibly embark on an international tour together. The Horns in the Sun hitmaker explained that the collaboration made sense because he viewed his music as uplifting and positive. A naturally spiritual person, Mohosana said he avoided following trends or chasing chart-topping singles, instead opting for longevity. I speak more through music. I express my emotions through music, and I have a lot to say through music. I am a shy guy; I can't address people in public, but through music, I can. Bongani 'Mörda' Mohosana Mohosana hinted at more gospel collaborations in the future. He had already worked on several tracks with Brenden Praise Ledwaba and revealed that he had been in discussions with Joyous Celebration founder Lindelani Mkhize. When the time is right, he said, they will work together. Soweto Gospel Choir master Shimmy Jiyane told City Press they were equally excited about performing alongside Mohosana. He said the collaboration had been in the pipeline for over a month. Jiyane noted that both the choir and Mohosana believed in the value of rehearsals and refining their craft. He explained that the show would be a one-night event to test whether South African audiences were receptive to the concept. He shared that their History of House project had begun back in 2012 while touring in Australia. It was during this tour that they met Australian DJ Simon 'Groove Terminator' Lewicki, who had been looking for a choir to work with on a house music concept. READ: WATCH | Joburg meets Lagos in an AfroExchange cultural takeover 'He pitched that he wanted to have house music sung by a choir. He said he was going around checking for choirs, but he could not find what he wanted until he watched us at the Sydney Opera House. Soweto Gospel Choir is a versatile choir; we like doing things that are out of our comfort zone, so we were like, 'Let's do it,'' said Jiyane. Lewicki introduced them to various house tracks, many of which they knew through South African DJs. Jiyane said the Australian DJ eventually joined them in South Africa for rehearsals, and some songs were even translated into local languages. The world started singing those songs, added Jiyane. Their first single, Good Life, received a positive response, and all their History of House shows overseas had sold out. In 2023, the choir collaborated with South African-based German DJ and producer Ralf 'Ralf GUM' Benkert on a song called Ramasedi. He added that many DJs had since approached them for similar collaborations, showing that people were paying attention and approved of their creative direction. The choir was even considering incorporating an orchestra in future shows. Asked whether gospel fans judged them for stepping outside traditional gospel, Jiyane responded that the choir had always embraced a broad musical range. He said at the end of the day, they were artists and did not want to box themselves. The upcoming performance was also set to honour South Africa's first democratic president, the late Nelson Mandela, as it would take place on Mandela Day, which is also his birthday. Attendees were encouraged to bring donations, which would be directed to the Nelson Mandela Foundation. Presented by Road to Bassline Fest, BET and SAMPRA, History of House would take place at The Lyric Theatre in Gold Reef City, Johannesburg.
The Citizen
10-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
‘I want people to dance, to feel free': Mörda Bongz ahead of his Mandela Day performance with Soweto Gospel Choir
Mörda Bongz says he wants to give people what they seem to yearn for when requesting gospel ditties at groove. Mörda Bongz will share the stage with the Soweto Gospel Choir on Mandela Day. Picture: murdahbongz/Instagram South Africans love a Gospel song at groove. In a one-off collaboration with the Soweto Gospel Choir, dance music producer Mörda Bongz says he wants to give people what they seem to yearn for when requesting gospel ditties at groove. 'I want this music to bring peace and joy. I want people to dance, to feel free,' said Mörda, whose real name is Bongani Mohosana. On Mandela Day, the former half of the duo Black Motion will take to the stage at The Lyric Theatre at Gold Reef City in Johannesburg to perform with the renowned choir in the Bassline Fest Presents show titled 'History of House'. The concert, presented by the South African Music Performance Rights Association (Sampra), is expected to be a soulful and energetic fusion of Afro house, Amapiano, gospel, and timeless house classics. 'We can't wait to showcase our take on these evergreen house classics, especially doing this on stage with Mörda for the first time,' shared the Soweto Gospel Choir's Shimmy Jiyane. ALSO READ: 'We wish every day that your dad was still here': DJ Zinhle and Mörda celebrate Kairo Forbes' birthday A collaborative effort About a year ago the Soweto Gospel Choir released their Dance-inspired album History of House and they will perform it in front of South African audiences for the first time at the upcoming show. The ensemble performed the album earlier this year in their three month tour of Australasia where they performed in cities like Perth and Auckland. The History of House Concert is a collaborative effort between Bassline, broadcaster BET, and the Nelson Mandela Foundation, as it'll be hosted on Mandela Day. As part of the celebration, attendees are encouraged to support the 'It's in Your Hands' campaign, where they can bring a blanket to donate at the event. 'With sponsorship from Sampra, new partnerships with BET, and the Nelson Mandela Foundation, we're committed to supporting local artists and giving back to the community while showcasing our rich musical heritage,' said founder of Bassline Live, Brad Holmes. NOW READ: A Zulu in New York: Maskandi artist Khuzani Mpungose enjoys time in the US [PICS]
TimesLIVE
03-07-2025
- Entertainment
- TimesLIVE
Mörda teams up with internationally acclaimed Soweto Gospel Choir
Mörda and the Soweto Gospel Choir are to join forces for the History of House show on Mandela Day. The Road to Bassline Fest will present History of House as a genre-defying live show headlined by Afrohouse maestro Mörda and the globally acclaimed Soweto Gospel Choir. Taking place on July 18 at The Lyric Theatre, Gold Reef City, this one-night only event promises a celebration of South African sound, soul and storytelling. The show will see the Grammy-winning Soweto Gospel Choir infuse classic house anthems such as Silence and Ride Like the Wind with their trademark harmonies and a uniquely local flavour, while Mörda, formerly of Black Motion, brings the heat with hits from his Asante trilogy, including the powerful single Glory. Speaking to TshisaLIVE, Mörda said he is looking forward to the experience. 'I want people to dance, to feel free.' 'We can't wait to showcase our take on these evergreen house classics,' said Shimmy Jiyane of the choir. Opening the show is rising star Brandon Aura, fresh from wowing crowds at Fête de la Musique, who will deliver his blend of folk-pop with an African twist. The event is supported by Sampra, BET and the Nelson Mandela Foundation, with a call to action for attendees to support the 'It's In Your Hands' campaign by donating blankets or contributing during ticket purchases.
