Bongi & Collin

It’s not surprising that when Collin and Bongi Damans sing together, the sound is sensational! Having earned first and second position in one of the country’s first reality television shows – ‘Gospel Star’ in 2005, they are each gifted musicians. And together, they are phenomenal. As a further sign of their wonderful harmony, these two are also husband and wife, allowing them to be in tune with each others souls and voices. With a history of almost 20 years between them in the music industry, the two finally feel the time is right for them to launch the duo – Collin and Bongi. “I’ve always loved singing,” enthuses Bongi. “When I finished school, I couldn’t see myself doing any other work, so I enrolled to study music. Over the past few years, I’ve sang backing vocals for legendary South Africans such as Vuyo Mokoena and Pastor Benjamin Dube. But when I sing with my husband it’s different I get an unwavering sense of purpose and accomplishment.” Collin also has illustrious credentials including singing with Joyous Celebration for 2 years and with renowned artists Selaela Selota, Keke and Ntando to name a few. Collin however only discovered an interest in music in his teen years. “When I was growing up in Mamelodi, it was a big fashion to learn the lyrics of songs and sing along whenever they came on to radio,” he laughs. “Like all my friends, I became crazy about the Boys II Men track – On Bended Knees. Soon after I learnt all the words, I started focusing on the actual music and to my surprise found that I could hold a tune pretty well. The more I sang, the more confident I became. After I won my first school singing contest, the pathway to a career in music just started unfolding.” In 2003, when Collin went to a Pastor Benjamin Dube concert he happened to cross paths with Bongi who was one of the back-up singers. Like his surprising discovery of singing talent, this chance encounter would place him on a destined journey. The couple got married three years later, and now have a gorgeous 2 year old son. Although they’ve faced challenges over the past few years, they are most grateful to have each other and their baby boy. As Christians, they believe everything in their lives has been ordained by God, including their debut 14 track gospel album entitled “Makadunyiswe”. Signed on by newly formed Jaziel Music Productions and produced by the talented duo being the Jaziel Brother who need no introduction in the music industry, the offering features the blend of inspiring lyrics, technical excellence and professional delivery that characterise the label owner – the Jaziel Brothers. Their ‘thoroughly South African’ CD features songs in Sotho, Xhosa, Zulu and English. “We could easily have gone for an American Baptist sound,” explains Collin, “but we wanted songs that our parents, friends and siblings could relate to.” As such, there are a few classic hymns, but most of the songs are fresh material written by the couple. “We felt it was important to connect with people by sharing our experiences, thoughts and hopes of the beautiful but challenging country we all live in,” says Bongi. But don’t expect the music to simply reflect the troubles we face, because the message throughout is one of hope. “There is a way to overcome any hardship,” shares Collin. “Many years ago I had two near fatal experiences that changed my life. I was shot in a house robbery on Christmas Day, and a short while later was run over by a truck while standing on the road side. I wondered why bad things were happening to me, but instead of focusing on the negative, I realised the positive- that my life had been spared twice! Since then I’ve learnt to acknowledge God for every day that he grants me.” These days Collin and Bongi’s hearts are filled with gratitude – especially because their dream of releasing an album together has been realised. “There is no one else, I’d rather be singing with other than Collin,” muses Bongi. “He’s a great husband, and with his wonderful resonant tenor, also a great music partner.” Fully committed to each other and their newly launched musical venture, the couple aim for harmony at work and at play!

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