#MusicExchange: Bongi Archi

12 Jan 2022

While Bongi Archi might be a newcomer for people to start paying attention to in the original music world, he's instantly recognisable under his birth name Bongi Mthombeni from the many stages he has graced over the past decade since he burst onto the entertainment scene as a popular member of Idols SA Top eight in 2010.

His powerful debut single Excuse Me is out now and he heads into 2022 with optimism and vigor.

I caught up with Bongi Archi last week:

The new decade means?

Time to release my original music.

Fame is about…

Being known by nearly everybody.

Retirement will happen when…

I take my last breath. I won’t ever be able to stop making music.

I don't do…

Begging.

What does music mean to you?

Music means everything to me.

My music is about…

Healing, inspiration, motivation, hope, love, joy and happiness.

I would love to co-write with:

Bruno Mars, John Legend, Ed Sheeran, Sam Smith and Stevie Wonder.

Where do you go for inspiration to create?

Everywhere I am (my surroundings and life) is my inspiration

What is the most enjoyable aspect of your work?

The writing part and live performances. Nothing better than performing in front of a live audience.

The song you must do in every show?

What a Wonderful World.

Any funny moments on stage?

When I was playing the role of Jack in the Pantomime and the guys who were in the cow costume kept laughing about how it smells inside the costume.

So, while I was singing Someone Like You by Adele, they'd start complaining to each other about how they are busy letting air out from other parts of the body… I was in a very serious moment but I couldn't keep the laugh in.

My heroes?

My Mother.

My style icon:

I try to be myself and not copy anyone.

#MusicExchange: Three Tons of Fun

Martin Myers 8 Dec 2021

Which living person do you admire most and why?

I admire Lindelani Mkhize. This man is a true inspiration and is a definite hard worker who never gives up and allows himself to go beyond the boundaries of life and opportunities. He also creates opportunities for other people as well.

What is your most treasured possession?

My keyboards.

It’s your round. What are you drinking?

Appletizer.

Dream gig to do?

To tour my show and fill the O2 Arena in London for five nights.

What makes you stand out?

My performances, because I pour out my heart and soul in every one of them.

Nicknames:

Fana.

If you were not a musician, what would you do?

I'd be a pilot.

Who would play you in a Hollywood blockbuster and why?

Kevin Hart in all his movies. I love his acting big time!

Pick five words to describe yourself?

Dedicated, humble, motivated, spiritual and hard-working

Greatest movie ever made:

Bad Boys 1 and Bad Boys 2

What books are you reading?

The Bible.

What song changed your life?

Stand by Donnie McClurkin.

Who do you love?

I'm in Love with the creator of Heaven and Earth.

What is your favorite word?

Persistence.

Favorite fashion garment:

All my shoes and suits.

Your greatest achievement:

Being where I am right now

What do you complain about most often?

Bad service.

What is your fear?

Fear itself, because your fears can cause you to miss or not achieve what you were meant to.

Happiness is…

Being comfortable in your own skin, doing what you love and loving what you do.

#MusicExchange: MaxX & Love

Martin Myers 15 Dec 2021

On stage I tend to…

Derail from my set list due to the vibe of the crowd.

The best life lesson you have been taught?

Always be willing to learn.

Where would you like to be right now?

On a plane touring the world.

Do you do charity work and if you do, what do you do?

When I have free time in my schedule, I try to take my music instruments and go to orphanages and set up and have a little concert just to let them start living the dream. And have a little braai afterwards!