Ringo Madlingozi

Ringo Madlingozi (born 12 December 1964) is a South African singer, songwriter, record producer and a former member of the National Assembly of South Africa. Madlingozi rose to fame when he and his band Peto won the Shell Road to Fame contest in 1986. He later formed a group called Gecko Moon with Alan Cameron, a fellow Peto member.

Early life Madlingozi was born in Peddie, Eastern Cape. A chance encounter with producer and head of Island Records, Chris Blackwell, changed the course of Madlingozi's creative life. "Blackwell chided me for not sticking to what I know best – my people, my language and my culture," Madlingozi said. "It was as if a bright light had been turned on in my mind and this led directly to the recording of my debut album, Vukani."

The album marked a new direction for Madlingozi. Literally meaning "Wake Up", the album firmly rooted Madlingozi in the African pop genre, giving expression to the "ukuxhentsa" rhythms that had inspired the singer in his youth when he used to listen to "amagqirha" or traditional healers in his neighbourhood and appreciate their rhythms. The addition of a contemporary sound whilst still being grounded in the tradition of the Xhosa guitar, cemented what has now become known as the "Ringo" sound. The sound has found its expression in several other releases, each one building on the success of the last.

Madlingozi's debut solo album, Vukani, sold tens of thousands of copies.

He has subsequently received multiple awards for his albums at the South African Music Awards (SAMA) and the Kora Awards, where, among others, he won the Best Male Artist in Southern Africa and the African continent Awards. He collaborated with international acclaimed group UB40 as part of the United Nations Global AIDS awareness program, recording the Xhosa lyrics of "Cover Up".

Artistic influences Madlingozi's vocal hero is Victor Ndlazilwane. Many upcoming artists like Nathi Mankayi and Vusi Nova have been influenced by Madlingnozi.

Philanthropy work

Madlingozi appeared on the third one-off TV special of quiz show Test the Nation, entitled National Parenting Test, as a celebrity guest. Vukani (1996) Sondelani (1997) Mamelani (1998) Into Yam''' (1999)Buyisa (2000)Ntumba (2002)Baleka (2004)Ndim'lo (2006)Qhubeka (2008)Jayiva Sbali (2010)The Coming Of Dawn (2012)Vukani (2014)Ikhwelo (2025)Love songs (2006)Ringo Live DVD (2003)Ringo Live CD'' (2003)

Awards and nominations