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]
Mörda | |
|---|---|
| Birth name | Bongani Mohosana |
| Also known as |
|
| Born | 9 June 1987 Pretoria, South Africa |
| Genres | |
| Occupations |
|
| Instruments |
|
| Years active | 2009–present |
| Labels | Asante Music |
| Formerly of | Black Motion |
| Spouse | DJ Zinhle |
Early life and career
editBongani 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 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.[9]
Towards the end of September 2024, Mörda will embark on upcoming Red Bull Unlocked to be held in Cape Town.[10]
Endorsement
editIn early September 2024, Mörda was announced as Miller brand ambassador.[11]
Controversy
editIn 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.[12]
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.[13]
Personal life
editBongani 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.[14]
Discography
editStudio albums
edit- Asante (2022)
- Asante II (2023)
Extended plays
edit- CR4ZY (2024)
As lead artist
edit| Title | Year | Peak chart positions | Certifications | Album | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ZA | |||||||
| "Summer Love" (featuring Nkosazana Daughter) | 2022 | — | RiSA: Gold[15] | Asante | |||
| "Mohigan Sun" (Mörda, Oscar Mbo featuring Murumba Pitch) | 1 | RiSA: 2× Platinum [15] | |||||
| "Takala" (Black Motion, Afrikan Roots, Dj Buckz, Mörda) | 2024 | 10[9] | Non-album single | ||||
| "Uxolo" (Kay-9ine, Mörda featuring Zeh SA) | — | Non-album single | |||||
| "—" denotes a recording that did not chart or was not released in that territory. | |||||||
Awards and nominations
editGQ Best Dressed Awards
edit| Year | Nominee / work | Award | Result | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Himself | Best Dressed Editor's Choice | Won | [16] |
Grammy Awards
edit| Year | Nominee / work | Award | Result | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | "The Color Purple" | Best compilation soundtrack for visual media | Pending | [17] |
NAACP Awards
edit| Year | Nominee / work | Award | Result | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | The Color Purple soundtrack | Outstanding Soundtrack/Album Compilation | Won | [18] |
South African Dance Music Awards
edit| Year | Nominee / work | Award | Result | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Asante | Best Dance Album | Nominated | [19] |
| "Mohigan Sun" featuring Oscar Mbo, Murumba Pitch | Best House Record | Nominated |
South African Music Awards
edit| Year | Nominee / work | Award | Result | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | "Mohigan Sun" featuring Oscar Mbo, Murumba Pitch | RAV Music Video of the Year | Nominated | [20] |
| "Horns in the Sun" | Motsepe Foundation Record of the Year | Nominated | ||
| "Burning Bush" | Best Collaboration | Nominated | [21] | |
| "Yes God" | Remix of the Year | Nominated | ||
| Asante II | Best Dance Album | Nominated |
References
edit- ^ Staff, Daily Post (16 May 2023). "Exploring The Roots Of Afro House Music". Daily Post. Archived from the original on 16 November 2023. Retrieved 20 December 2023.
- ^ "Murdah Bongz celebrates birthday, his age stuns Mzansi". savannanews.com. 9 June 2022. Retrieved 1 May 2023.
- ^ a b "MASSIVE TALENT IN ESWATINI - MURDAH BONGZ". Times of Swaziland. Retrieved 1 May 2023.
- ^ "'Thank you to everyone who embraced the change': Mörda celebrates a year going solo". timeslive.co.za. Retrieved 1 May 2023.
- ^ "Murdah Bongz drops his first project as solo act Mörda". iol.co.za. Retrieved 1 May 2023.
- ^ Mphande, Joy (8 September 2023). "Another one — Morda dedicates his second album to his daughter". TimesLIVE. Retrieved 17 September 2023.
- ^ Moloi, Atlehang (29 September 2023). "Mörda Delivers An Eclectic Sonic Experience In New Album, 'Asante II' | Slikouronlife". Slikouronlife. Retrieved 30 September 2023.
- ^ Shumba, Ano (7 June 2024). "SA: Mörda shares new EP Cr4zy!!." Music in Africa. Retrieved 10 June 2024.
- ^ a b "Local Radio Chart Top 10". The Official South African Charts. Retrieved 5 August 2024.
- ^ "Red Bull reveals the line up for their Unlocked experience in Cape Town". SNL24. 6 September 2024. Retrieved 7 September 2024.
- ^ Simelane, Nomonde (5 September 2024). "Murdah Bongz is Miller's newest ambassador". Bona Magazine. Retrieved 5 September 2024.
- ^ "Spirit Motion vs Bongani 'Murdah Bongz' Mohosana: Everything you need to know about the legal battle". news24. Retrieved 1 May 2023.
- ^ "'They want an apology': Morda returns Black Motion equipment". thesouthafrican.com. 26 January 2023. Retrieved 1 May 2023.
- ^ "DJ Zinhle confirms she is married to Murdah Bongz". citizen.co.za. 9 August 2022. Retrieved 1 May 2023.
- ^ a b "Certifications 2025 — RiSA". Recording Industry of South Africa. 21 May 2024. Retrieved 29 June 2024.
- ^ Manuel, Shannon (31 August 2024). "Introducing the 2024 Best Dressed Winners". GQ Magazine. Retrieved 1 September 2024.
- ^ Gomez, Dessi (8 November 2024). "Grammy Film & TV Nominees Include Multiple Nods for Hans Zimmer, Atticus Ross, 'Twisters' And 'The Color Purple'". Deadline. Retrieved 9 November 2024.
- ^ Vollmer, Bernelee (19 March 2024). "Murdah Bongz celebrates NAACP win for contribution to 'The Color Purple' soundtrack". Independent Online. Retrieved 16 June 2024.
- ^ Awards, The South African Dance Music. "South African Dance Music Awards". South African Dance Music Awards. Retrieved 20 May 2024.
- ^ "#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. Retrieved 14 August 2024.
- ^ "Sensational Tyla leads the pack with five SAMA30 nominations". Sunday World. 26 September 2024. Retrieved 26 September 2024.