Freddy Gwala is a South African musician born in Soweto, Johannesburg, South Africa.[1] He started his career as a musician in Soweto.
Freddy Gwala | |
|---|---|
| Born | 6 October 1961 |
| Nationality | South African |
| Children | 5 |
He invented Zumba,[2] a genre of African music, in the early 1970s.[3][4][5] He began his music career with his brothers[6] in 1973 after they formed a group called Pure Gold. He also co-founded another group called Platform One. He has also contributed to albums for different artists such as Brenda Fassie and other artists.[7][2][8][9][10][11]
In October 2023, Gwala launched his 19th album, Iparole, in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe.[4][12][13] During the album launch, he visited Victoria Falls.[14] Some of his popular songs are "Amadamara", "Tshidi S'khelekhele", "Matshidiso" and "Ngiboshiwe".[4][15][16][17]
Background
editEarly life
editGwala was born on 6 October 1961 in Soweto, Johannesburg. He is known for having created the "Zumba" genre of African music, which is a fusion of soul music and disco. One of his popular songs in the genre is "Amadamara".
Gwala spent 10 years in prison for stealing cars in the 1980s.[18] He told the Daily Sun that music saved his life and that he does not want to commit crime anymore because prison is hell.
He has created 18 albums since the 1990s, when he released his first album, titled Amadamara.[19][4]
In 2023, Gwala was deported after arriving at the Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo Airport without a work permit.[20][21] In 2010 again, he was due to perform at Ibumba Festival in Bulawayo but was refused due to not having a work permit.
References
edit- ^ https://www.discogs.com/artist/2818351-Freddie-Gwala
- ^ a b Manjeya, Yamkeleka. "Musical legend Freddie Gwala teams up with Lindough to reimagine fan-favourite song". City Press. Retrieved 15 November 2023.
- ^ Bambalele, Patience. "Music legend Gwala credits his success, longevity to his love for the people". SowetanLIVE. Retrieved 15 November 2023.
- ^ a b c d "Freddy Gwala To Launch New Album In Bulawayo - News Report Zimbabwe". News Report Zimbabwe - News That Matters. 8 October 2023. Retrieved 15 November 2023.
- ^ admin (10 May 2023). "The legendary Freddie Gwala makes a comeback to reignite Zumba music". Tzaneen Voice. Retrieved 15 November 2023.
- ^ "Gift Gwala was a composer of note". SowetanLIVE. Retrieved 15 November 2023.
- ^ "Freddie Gwala sends solidarity message to Highlanders".
- ^ "Freddie Gwala - Shikisha Mahala (CD)". www.loot.co.za. Retrieved 15 November 2023.
- ^ "The Chronicle - Breaking news". Retrieved 30 March 2024.
- ^ halexaxination (2 November 2023). "HBK Live Act & Freddy Gwala - Amadamara - Download Audio Mp3 UMKULO". UMKULO: Amapiano/Hip Hop/House - South Africa. Retrieved 15 November 2023.
- ^ "The Catch Up [STUDIO]: Freddy Gwala - #The Drive Connection". omny.fm. Retrieved 15 November 2023.
- ^ "The Chronicle - Breaking news". Retrieved 30 March 2024.
- ^ "Freddy Gwala To Launch Album In Zim – ZimEye". 7 October 2023. Retrieved 15 November 2023.
- ^ "The Chronicle - Breaking news". Retrieved 30 March 2024.
- ^ Import, Pongrass (21 April 2019). "AwonMnyuzik makes music with veteran musician". Southern Courier. Retrieved 15 November 2023.
- ^ "The Chronicle - Breaking news". Retrieved 30 March 2024.
- ^ says, Rhona (2 June 2023). "Bubble gum music legend Freddy Gwala finally gets recognition in South Africa –after a long time of being ignored - CityLife Arts". Retrieved 15 November 2023.
- ^ DUBE, AARON. "Freddie Gwala - I used to steal cars!". Daily Sun. Retrieved 15 November 2023.
- ^ "Freddy Gwala to launch album in Zimbabwe | ZBC NEWS".
- ^ Radio, Nehanda (4 December 2012). "Freddy Gwala deported from Zimbabwe". Nehanda Radio. Retrieved 15 November 2023.
- ^ "The Chronicle - Breaking news". Retrieved 30 March 2024.