Prince Benza

Since emerging in the 2010s, Prince Benza has become a central figure in bolobedu house, which melds Afrohouse with traditional balobedu melodies. Born Benny Raolane in Wisani village in Limpopo, Benza made noise in his region as a teenage producer/DJ and caught the attention of King Monada, who had been one of his inspirations. After signing to Open Mic Productions, Benza went on to work with the label’s most celebrated artists including Master KG. He started off 2021 by releasing the singles “Ngiyavuma” and “Ngwago”, both of which elevated his career as a producer as well as a vocalist. That same year, Benza provided the sonic template for Makhadzi’s African Queen, producing half of the album and appearing as a guest on two songs. And he further explored his singing skills on his first full-length project, Modimo Wa Nrata. Through incorporating elements of other genres like amapiano, Benza continues to help bolobedu house evolve.