South African recording artist Speedy turns 42 today. Born with the name, Harold Rangakane Matlhaku on 28 January 1979, He took on the stage name Speedy when he started his career. Besides being a recording artist, he is also a singer, songwriter, actor, and television personality.
Speedy became famous as a member of the South African music group, Bongo Maffin which shot him to fame in 1997. His band mates were Stoan Seate, Thandiswa Mazwai, and Jahseed. Bongo Maffin’s songs played a significant role in the Kwaito Revolution that enthralled South Africa from the early 90s to the year 2000s.
As he celebrates his birthday, here’s a look at his journey to fame.
Bongo Maffin songs catapult Speedy to fame
Formed in Johannesburg in 1996, Speedy’s band Bongo Maffin released their first studio album, The Concerto, in 1998. It was followed by the album Bongolution in 2001 and New Construction in 2005.
Bongo Maffin’s Lead singer Thandiswa Mazwai published her debut solo album, Zabalaza, in 2006.
Speedy too, later left Bongo Maffin to start a solo career. Speedy enthralled his fans with his performances as Deep in the first three seasons of the drama series Gaz'lam, from 2002-2005. He later made several guest appearances on the sitcom SOS in 2001, and played himself on the youth soap Backstage, in 2006. He also appeared in the 2002 feature film Hijack Stories.
Bongo Maffin singer Speedy’s love for Americans and America as a country saw him taking up residence there. He said of the American people that “they acknowledge and appreciate their legends,” when compared to South Africans, who only “pretend to care” about their legends after they are dead. “They acknowledge and appreciate their legends while they are still alive,” says Speedy.
On Instagram, Speedy praised Americans, saying that shows such as BET Honors – an award show that honors the accomplishments of African-American greats in the entertainment industry.
“Meanwhile here in South Africa we’re all about gossip, ignoring and destroying each other,” he wrote as he berated South Africans.
In an extensive Instagram post a few months ago, the Bongo Maffin superstar pointed out that people were envious of him and stood in the way of his success.
“It’s funny how some people get mad when they can’t come and live lavish with you. There are people who die inside every time they catch a glimpse of your happiness. There will always be people that try to block or stop your music from being heard, simply because they are scared and never expected you to still be this consistent, it’s called jealousy,” he wrote.
