Murdah Bongz Explained

Mörda
Birth Name:Bongani Mohosana
Birth Date:1987 6, df=y
Birth Place:Pretoria, South Africa
Years Active:2009–present
Label:Asante Music
Past Member Of:Black Motion
Spouse:DJ Zinhle

Bongani Mohosana (born 9 June 1987) known professionally as Mörda or Murdah Bongz, is a South African DJ and music producer. He is best known for being a former member of the band Black Motion.[1]

Early life and career

Bongani Mohosana was born on the 9th of June 1987 in Pretoria, South Africa.[2] He developed a passion and interest in music at a young age. He joined the church choir, where he learnt how to play musical instruments and was also involved in singing. He then developed his skills as a music composer, dancer and vocalist.[3]

In 2009, Bongani Mohosana along with Thabo Mabogwane aka Smol launched a band named Black Motion and he adopted the stage name Murdah Bongz. The duo started making music and became popular in the year 2011 after releasing their studio album Talking to the Drums.[3] Several years after the band's founding, though, both decided to pursue solo careers. Murdah Bongz then changed his stage name to Mörda.[4]

In 2022, he released his first solo debut album, Asante, which was named after his daughter.[5]

In September 2023, Mörda announced his second studio album Asante II, which was scheduled to be released on 29 September 2023.[6]

"Burning Bush" with Thakzin, Ihhashi Elimhlophe released on 8 September 2023 as album's lead single.

The album was released on 29 September 2023.[7]

Mörda's extended play CR4ZY, was released on June 7, 2024.[8] It features Brenden Praise, Lusanda, Mpho.Wav and Kwamzy.

Mörda appeared on a single "Takala", collaboration with Black Motion, DJ Bucks, and African Roots released on May 10, 2024. The song entered Local Radio Chart Top 10 at number 10.

Controversy

In December 2022, it was alleged that Mörda had taken recording studio equipment from the Black Motion business premises in December 2022. He was also accused of violently damaging a door at the recording studio, among other properties.[9]

Following the accusations, Mörda's legal representatives issued a statement stating that the equipment belongs to Spirit Motion which both Morda and Thabo Smol proportionately owned.[10]

Personal life

Bongani Mohosana married DJ and producer DJ Zinhle in 2022. The couple went public with their relationship in 2021, after reports revealed that they had been dating for quite some time in private before going public. The couple had their first baby daughter, Asante in September 2021.[11]

Discography

Studio albums

Extended plays

As lead artist

List of singles as lead artist, with selected chart positions and certifications, showing year released and album name
TitleYearPeak chart positionsCertificationsAlbum
ZA
"Summer Love" (featuring Nkosazana Daughter) 2022RiSA: Gold[12] Asante
"Mohigan Sun" (Mörda, Oscar Mbo featuring Murumba Pitch) 1RiSA: 2× Platinum
"Takala" (Black Motion, Afrikan Roots, Dj Buckz, Mörda) 2024 10[13]
"—" denotes a recording that did not chart or was not released in that territory.

Awards and nominations

NAACP Awards

! |-|2024|The Color Purple soundtrack |Outstanding Soundtrack/Album Compilation | |[14]

South African Dance Music Awards

! |-|rowspan=2|2023|style="text-align: center;" | Asante|Best Dance Album | |rowspan=2|[15] |-|style="text-align: center;" rowspan=2|"Mohigan Sun" featuring Oscar Mbo, Murumba Pitch |Best House Record| |-|2024 |RAV Music Video of the Year | |[16]

Notes and References

  1. News: Staff . Daily Post . 16 May 2023 . Exploring The Roots Of Afro House Music . Daily Post . live . 20 December 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20231116001921/https://dailypost.ng/2023/05/16/exploring-the-roots-of-afro-house-music/ . 16 November 2023.
  2. Web site: Murdah Bongz celebrates birthday, his age stuns Mzansi . savannanews.com . 9 June 2022 . 1 May 2023.
  3. Web site: MASSIVE TALENT IN ESWATINI - MURDAH BONGZ . Times of Swaziland . 1 May 2023.
  4. Web site: 'Thank you to everyone who embraced the change': Mörda celebrates a year going solo . timeslive.co.za. 1 May 2023.
  5. Web site: Murdah Bongz drops his first project as solo act Mörda . iol.co.za . 1 May 2023.
  6. Web site: Another one — Morda dedicates his second album to his daughter. Joy. Mphande. 2023-09-08. 2023-09-17. TimesLIVE.
  7. Web site: Mörda Delivers An Eclectic Sonic Experience In New Album, 'Asante II' Slikouronlife . Atlehang. Moloi. Slikouronlife. 2023-09-29. 2023-09-30.
  8. Web site: SA: Mörda shares new EP Cr4zy!!... Ano. Shumba. 2024-06-07. 2024-06-10. Music in Africa.
  9. Web site: Spirit Motion vs Bongani 'Murdah Bongz' Mohosana: Everything you need to know about the legal battle . news24 . 1 May 2023.
  10. Web site: 'They want an apology': Morda returns Black Motion equipment . thesouthafrican.com . 26 January 2023 . 1 May 2023.
  11. Web site: 9 August 2022. DJ Zinhle confirms she is married to Murdah Bongz . 2023-05-01 . citizen.co.za . en-US.
  12. Web site: 2024-05-21. Certifications 2025 — RiSA. 2024-06-29 . Recording Industry of South Africa.
  13. Web site: Local Radio Chart Top 10. 2024-08-05. The Official South African Charts.
  14. Web site: Murdah Bongz celebrates NAACP win for contribution to 'The Color Purple' soundtrack. 2024-03-19. Bernelee. Vollmer . Independent Online . 2024-06-16.
  15. Web site: Awards . The South African Dance Music . South African Dance Music Awards . 2024-05-20 . South African Dance Music Awards . en.
  16. Web site:
    1. SAMA30 unveils nominees for the Motsepe Foundation Record of the Year and RiSA Audio Visual (RAV) Music Video of the Year Awards
    . South African Music Awards. 13 August 2024. 14 August 2024.