Inzalo Ka Sikabopha: The Debut Album
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- March 24, 2023
Mfana Kah Gogo On His Rise To Fame and Future As The Leader For Ama 2000
Following his success and the launch of his music career and matriculating in the year 2022. The viral sensation and rising Amapiano star, Mfana Kah Gogo whose real name is Sipho Mbonambi adds another accolade under his belt as he drops his debut album, ‘Inzalo Ka Sikabopha’
The album comes after the success of his debut single ‘Jabula’, followed up by his singles ‘Umoya‘ and ‘Hlal’ethembeni’. And being featured on hits like Azul featuring International DJ Karri.
The debut album has launched the musician’s full body of work and continues the young musician’s brand of inspirational and motivational upbeat Amapiano sound.
Cementing him as the Leader of Ama 2000 by showcasing his versatility as an artist featuring a couple of industry giants such as Lady Du and Mampintsha.
In a recent interview with The Yanos Plug, Sipho discussed his musical journey, balancing music and school, and his debut album.
Mfana Kah Gogo’s Granny: The Influence Behind the Name and the Music
If you were to describe who Mfana Kah Gogo is, how would you describe him?
“I could say that Mfana Ka Gogo is self-explanatory. The name says it all, I am a child who’s forever happy and finding his feet in this world.”
Why the name Mfana Ka Gogo?
According to Mfana Kah Gogo, if it was possible, his stage name would be included in his birth certificate.
“I call myself Mfana Kah Gogo because I was brought up by my granny, everything that I did was with her, even if it meant she should attend anything pertaining to my studies, she was there.
I used to follow her everywhere, church, and even when she received her grant, I knew she’d buy me anything I wanted.
So even when my friends and peers would call me to come to play, I’d always ditch them for my granny, and they would always say “ah wena Mfana Ka Gogo” and that’s how it came about. I also got used to it and started using it,” says Mfana Kah Gogo.
Taking from what you’ve told us, your granny seems to have a huge impact on your life and career, take us through that.
“Yes, my granny plays a huge and significant role in my life. If it wasn’t for her, I wouldn’t be where I am today. Considering that there were a lot of challenges we faced at home, she was always there to guide and support me in any way that I needed.
She would always advise us to educate and make something of ourselves and that really helped me to be where I’m at this current moment.”
Mfana Kah Gogo on Juggling Music and School while being the Future of Ama-2000
How has the industry been for you since you carry the accolade for the future of ama-2000? Juggling music and school at the same time?
“My music journey started back at home since I was someone who had loved singing a lot back then. And oh, I’ll keep mentioning my granny because “kancane kancane uyavela”. So, she was the one that would always make me sing at church, then when I reached grade 7, we built a room for me where I was busy with my vocals and started making music there.
That’s where I started in the studio to record my first song, but I didn’t have much confidence back then. Though people kept saying the song is good and all.
When I got to grade 10, I then met up with Mhlekzin who was like the first person I recorded my first song with and when people listened to it, they fell in love with it.”
From then onwards, Sokhela who is Mfana Kah Gogo’s manager asked if they were ready and could release the song “Hlale’ Themben’, a freestyle that first went viral on the net. Which gained him traction and had musicians by the likes of Cassper Nyovest and the Major Leagues DJs hitting him up.
This was not only to work with him but to also give him advice and guidance on how this industry works.
“Indlela engapopa ngayo leyo,” he expressed.
How did you manage to balance your music career and school while in matric?
“It was challenging, but my managers played a huge role in ensuring that I balanced because, at the end of the day, my managers are parents. So, when it was time to study, I studied and mak’mele ngidume I did the same. Kanjalo kanjalo.”
Sipho told The Yanos Plug that he was glad that he has management that is that strict because they helped him focus and complete his matric.
What are some of the challenges you come across being a viral sensation at this tender age?
“I can’t go play with other kids, obviously. Even when they try passing the ball in my direction, I must stay in my lane. I also spend a lot of time at home just to stay away from a lot of things.”
Other than that, the artist says social media trolls are the biggest obstacle. However, he was taught and is also learning not to pay attention and be affected by it so much.
“People say hurtful things all the time, and where there’s a success there’ll always be obstacles.”
Mfana Kah Gogo’s Plans Beyond Music: Career Interests and Aspirations
If it wasn’t for music, what were your plans after school?
“I loved the arts and drawing a lot back at school. So, if I wasn’t going to be a musician or vocalist, I would be a director or a scriptwriter.
Or be a social worker because I love children so much”.
Let’s talk about your debut album, how did that come about?
“The album is out and launching on the 24th of this month. ‘Inzalo Ka Sikabopha’ refers to my grandfather. It’s my grandfather’s name. He was playing football and I looked up to him so much that I wanted to be something of that sort. So, the album resembles him and his grandchildren, just in a musical sense. Abezukulu, iyouth ehlangene enza isound”
In short, it talks about life. If you’re sad, you can relate. If you want to dance “ina yonke ivibe” he says.
What’s your favorite song in the album?
In a giggly voice, Mfana Kah Gogo told us that he loves all his “children” but the one he loves the most is ‘Mama’. This is because he wrote it at a very difficult time when his manager passed away. In essence, it’s in remembrance of him and the life that he lived.
In closing, it was a pleasure to speak with Mfana Kah Gogo and get an insight into his journey as a rising star in the music industry. From his humble beginnings singing in church to his debut album, “Inzalo Ka Sikabopha,” it’s clear that he is passionate about music and dedicated to his craft. Despite facing challenges such as balancing his music career with school and dealing with social media trolls, he remains focused and determined. We wish him all the best on his musical journey and look forward to seeing what he has in store for us in the future.
STREAM ‘INZALO KA SIKABOPHA’ ALBUM HERE
WATCH HLAL’ ETHEMBENI MUSIC VIDEO
