Bonga Ntozini, better known as Karyendasoul, is a 27-year-old music producer and DJ who has taken the music world by storm. Known for his platinum-selling record “iMali,” Karyendasoul has seamlessly blended African soundscapes with electronic elements, creating a unique and captivating sound. His passion for collaboration has seen him working with notable artists like Zakes Bantwini and Kasango on the 2021 hit “Osama,” and with Black Coffee on “Any Other Way” featuring Zhao.
In 2023, Karyendasoul released his showpiece debut album “We Live 4 Our Music.” This album features significant collaborations and showcases his ability to fuse soulful sounds with cosmic Afro-House beats and intricate drum patterns. His music offers a culturally distinctive edge, making him a standout in the industry.
Karyendasoul’s dynamic presence has taken him to stages across the globe. Most recently, he performed a two-hour set at Tomorrowland on the Planaxis stage, introducing his refreshed brand to the world. Tomorrowland, known for its epic festival atmosphere and showcasing top electronic music talent, provided the perfect platform for Karyendasoul’s brand launch.
Despite the festival’s diversity, Karyendasoul stood out with his unique Afro Tech sound. Reflecting on his performance, he expressed his pride: “I didn’t think I’d be playing at Tomorrowland so soon. It’s always been an aspiration. I’m super proud, not only for me but for what this means for African music.”
Karyendasoul is not just an artist; he is also an astute businessman with a clear vision for his brand. He aims to harness his growth into something intentional and distinctly his own. “I want to be able to communicate who I am without words. I already do that with music; this gives me another artistic platform to amplify my sound and purpose,” he explains.
His approach to music is not just about personal success but about creating a movement and legacy for African music. “It’s not about being ‘the only African.’ As a nation, our power lies in the collective. We need to work together more and compete less,” he comments. His vision for “We Live 4 Our Music” includes transforming it into a space or series of events where young creatives can collaborate, learn, and build their talents meaningfully and sustainably.
To drive his ambition forward, Karyendasoul has partnered with Grid Worldwide and 608, a vertical within Grid that enables brands and talent to engage with culture. Grid’s approach to his brand emphasizes his unique sound and authentic connection to his audience. “The dynamic and always-on brand identity moves from brand to feeling to experience,” says Jineil Kandasamy, Creative Director and Partner at Grid Worldwide. “It is a living and breathing expression of his sound, taking people on a journey to ignite the human soul.”
Adam Byars, joint CEO of Grid and founder of 608, describes Karyendasoul as a cultural force with significant experience and a unique approach to music. “Karyendasoul understands that powerful collaborations, tenacity, and talent – given the right platform – can break barriers.”
Having played a significant role in the brand curation of multi-award-winning artist Zakes Bantwini, the partnership between Karyendasoul, Grid Worldwide, and 608 holds great promise. This is just the beginning of a journey that will see Karyendasoul continue to make waves in the global music culture.
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