About Bongi Maestro
Bongi was born in Tembisa on the 9th of September 1987. His passion for music started at a very young age while he went to the Nobel Primary School. He continued his secondary education at the Primrose High School.
From grade 1 to grade 7, he always took part in his school’s talent shows and was determined to excel in every performance, whether it was with drama, music or even addressing the school! When he was in grade 2, he taught himself piano by watching his brother play at church. After every service he would ask his brother to take the keyboard home so he could practice. Bongi started to play the school anthem and other hymns during assembly in grade 6. A few years later, he and a friend started a mini school choir. Bongi became the choir conductor. He was Primrose High School’s school spirit for 3 years and was the head-cheerleader in Matric.
His Technical Drawing teacher recognised his ability to influence people, so he got him a job at the Rand Show to sell toys. But what neither of them knew was that there was a music shop with a mini stage close to the toy stall! Anyone from the public was welcome to sing or play an instrument on the mini-stage. Needless to say, he and his friends generated a lot of attention with their non-rehearsed, but brilliant music! The music manager saw his potential and introduced him to the world of performances. They started a band with Carla Louw as lead singer and him as a backing vocalist and occasionally as a lead vocalist. Liebie Louw got him involved in acting at primary and high schools.
After high school, he became a session pianist at Lemon Jack Studio’s. A year later, he was promoted to backing vocalist, music arranger, sound engineer and producer. Here, Bongi met and worked with celebrities such as: André G Nel, Coenie, Chris Chameleon, the Coleske brothers, Helen Bester, Jan Blom, Loyiso, Mel Botes, the Parlatones, Pieter Koen, and Steve Hofmeyer just to name a few! He also performed the song, “I am your child”, with Jak de Priester, for his new album called “Groen Mamba”. Bongi was also the main performer on his wedding. Bongi continued his musical experience by opening the stage for A. King, Freshly ground, Kurt Darren and Prime Circle.
He entered the South African Idols Season 6 in 2010. Bongi enjoyed this experience thoroughly and is grateful to have made it to the 9. After elimination, he did not give up. The incredible support from the media, artists and his fans’ loyalty drove his passion even more and at the age of 23, he is determined to take his passion of entertaining to a whole new level.
“Seeing people's facial reactions while enjoying a
great performance is irreplaceable!” - Bongi Maestro 2010
Bongi enjoys to perform the following musical styles: African; Afrikaans; Blues; Gospel; Oldies; Reggae; Smooth R&B; Soft rock; Swing and Soul. His shows comprise mostly piano and voice shows, but band shows are also available. Bongi is also available as a Master of Ceremony.