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When Ringo Madlingozi released his debut solo album in 1996 it marked the start of a remarkable career that has spanned nearly three decades and is set to continue flourishing, with new music scheduled for release in 2024/5. Born in Gugulethu, Cape Town, Sindile “Ringo” Madlingozi (his nickname coming from his mother who noted his ability to sing and play drums, like The Beatles’ Ringo Starr, at an early age) cut his musical teeth in an acapella group at school and then as the singer of the group Ikwezi. In 1986 he joined Afro-Jazz band Peto which became a crossover favourite and, later, with fellow Peto member, Alan Cameron, he formed the reggae-leaning Gecko Moon. His enviable versatility as a vocalist was established in these early years but it was only with the release of “Vukani” (“Wake Up”) in 1996 that Ringo’s now legendary signature sound was given its first platform. Ringo Madlingozi acknowledges the debt of gratitude he owes to Chris Blackwell in having the confidence to shine a light on his original material: on meeting Blackwell in the mid-1990s, the renowned producer and founder of Island Records gently encouraged Ringo to make music about the people, places, language and culture that he knew best. This led directly to “Vukani” which, together with his follow-up records, resulted in Ringo becoming a favourite of both fans and critics alike.
