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.