Odwa Bongo

Singer and Uhadi Player

[Odwa Bongo @odwabongo]

My uHadi bag has made life so much easier for me

Now I have peace of mind knowing that my calabash is protected. The bag instantly gives my instrument the dignity it deserves.

This bag is a real confidence booster and adds value to both the instrument and the artist carrying it

[Odwa Bongo @odwabongo]

@bushradio interview with @leratoproduction.wav 📻

Highlighting the South African indigenous uHadi musical bow and how we are advocating for it to regain its place, power and respect in the South African music scene.

#xhosanation
#indigenousmusicmatters
#capetown

[Odwa Bongo @odwabongo]

This Saturday 16 May independent musicians from across Cape Town will launch ‘Our Conditions Of Work’, a document created by and for ourselves outlining fair work conditions for music workers.

[Odwa Bongo @odwabongo]

Also there’s something about my brain being active at this time… during the day I am tired and even if I want to work I just cannot bring myself to work but after 00:00 I’m wide awake and energetic. I feel like I’m in control.

[Odwa Bongo @odwabongo]

So I’m up, listening to music that I would like to release. I am listening to all the mistakes and noting all that needs to be fixed. This process is so daunting I find myself doubting myself…. There’s some amazing parts though but I want it to be as perfect and as realistic.

[Odwa Bongo @odwabongo]

Taking it back to my days at the Drakensberg Boys’ Choir School & Standardbank Youth Jazz Featival, I had the pleasure of speaking to Ben Moshatama of @channelafrica1 🤩

If you missed the interview, here is part 3.

#DjembeVibes
#ChannelAfrica
#indigenousmusicmatters
#uhadi

[Odwa Bongo @odwabongo]

Unpacking my journey, I had the pleasure of speaking to Ben Moshatama of @channelafrica1 🤩

I answered some burning questions in this conversation. If you missed the interview, here is part 2.

#DjembeVibes
#ChannelAfrica
#channelafricaturns60
#indigenousmusic
#uhadiXkinfolk

[Odwa Bongo @odwabongo]

I had the pleasure of speaking to Ben Moshatama of @channelafrica1 🤩

I might have answered some of your questions in this conversation. If you missed the interview, here is part 1.

#DjembeVibes
#ChannelAfrica
#channelafricaturns60
#indigenousmusicmatters
#uhadiXkinfolk

[Odwa Bongo @odwabongo]

Catch my interview tonight ❤️

[Channel Africa @channelafrica1]

🌎🎶Tune in for a powerful night of African music on Djembe Vibes on Saturday and Sunday on Channel Africa from 9pm till midnight.

Join Benjamin Moshatama in conversation with @odwabongo, a striking singer and proponent of the Uhadi, a traditional musical bow of the Xhosa people in South Africa.

Odwa joins us on:

📅:19 April 2026
⏲️:21:00–00:00 CAT
📻:Channel Africa radio: (https://t.co/UqXg08KfEr | Channel Africa App, SABCPlus | DSTV Channel 802 | Openview 628)

Don’t miss this inspiring journey through sound and meaning. Tap in and feel the vibe! 🥁

#DjembeVibes #ChannelAfrica #ChannelAfricaTurns60

[Odwa Bongo @odwabongo]

@simphiwedana @TyaliSiya I agree.

[Odwa Bongo @odwabongo]

A very iconic and special moment with @simphiwedana x @zolanimahola

It’s all love and it was beautiful to see both my icons on one stage! ❤️

[Odwa Bongo @odwabongo]

Notes to whoever is getting married to me! Ndingancama yonke into for a moment like this.

[music.as.love @simphiwedana]

Your happiness is my satisfaction, as mama would say♥️

[Odwa Bongo @odwabongo]

@simphiwedana Oh this is beautiful!

[Odwa Bongo @odwabongo]

I remember meeting #simphiwedana for the first time at the #CTIJF after party at the Cape Sun hotel. We went on stage to sing, the sound engineer switched off our mics.

Years later I’m on her stage, no one could switch off the mic! This moment is one to treasure, it’s golden.

[Odwa Bongo @odwabongo]

Kumnandi ukucula umculo ophilisa umphefumlo ❤️

#xhosanation #capetown #indigenousmusicmatters
#youngblood #ancientvoices

[Odwa Bongo @odwabongo]

@mjffranschhoek you definitely outdid yourself! I’ve been to a number of festivals but never have I ever been so happy and free at a festival. This festival managed to gather my kind of people. Beautiful energies!

#franschhoek
#montreuxjazzfestival

@lindah_majola thank you!

[Odwa Bongo @odwabongo]

Join us tomorrow at Youngblood Gallery for an evening presented by Folklore Festival #KINFOLK In partnership with the JAZZ IN THE CITY movement,

ODWA BONGO X ANCIENT VOICES

#jazzinthecity
#odwabongoofficial
#ancientvoices
#xhosanation

https://t.co/DcUFt6Nme2

[Odwa Bongo @odwabongo]

I’ll be live on Power 98.7 tomorrow morning at 05:10am, sharing more about my journey with the uHadi, the music, and the stories that continue to shape my work.

Grateful for the opportunity to speak about indigenous sound, memory, and where we are taking it next.

[Odwa Bongo @odwabongo]

@Chris_unit_ted @MPositive20 @grok is this Ai

[Odwa Bongo @odwabongo]

Crafting my third uHadi for delivery to KZN 🤩🤩🤩

Here’s Part 2 of the journey 🤩🤩🤩

This is the dusty part. Carefully cleaning the interior of the calabash and refining the edges. Every step is shaped with care and love ❤️

#calabash
#cutting
#cleaning
#indigenousmusic