Zola

Zola is the professional name of Bonginkosi Dlamini, a South African musician, actor and television presenter associated with kwaito. Raised in Soweto, he became known through the television drama Yizo Yizo before developing a recording career.

His debut album, Umdlwembe, appeared in 2001, followed by releases including Khokhovula and Bhambatha. His music combined the rhythms of kwaito with forceful, rap-influenced delivery and accounts of township life. He also presented Zola 7, a television programme that helped participants pursue personal ambitions. His work brought music, dramatic performance and social concerns together within South Africa’s post-apartheid popular culture.