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Jozi are one of South Africa’s newest and already prominent Hip hop crews. Their name is derived from a shortened version of Johannesburg (aka Jo’burg/Jozi) South Africa, where they all reside. With their musical talents and endeavours they are defiantly representing the city of Jo’burg not only in South Africa but the rest of the world. The individuals of the crew comprise of Bongani Fassie (aka Bongs), Ishmael Morabe (aka Ish) and Lesley Mampe (aka Da L.E.S), who all add various facets to their unique sound, which they have termed Motherland Crunk.Ish holds down the vocals which he has been known to do since the early 1990’s within groups like P.O.C and skeem.
This SAMA award winner has gained extensive experience and exposure locally and abroad, when he toured with the likes of the Fugees and Public enemy. The fact he still holds it down with Jozi is testament to his ability and versatility as a singer. While the fusion of the current Hip Hop sound is created with the Production skills of one of South Africa’s best producers, namely Bongs. Not only does this musical prodigy produce but he can also sing and lay down a few verses as only the best MC / producers can. Bongs is remarkably versatile in terms of the genres he can operate in as seen by the fact he produced and release a Jazz album titled Makana Square in 2004, by himself.
Finally we have your Boy Da L.E.S, the US raised Pretty boy and ladies man of the crew whose lyrical MC skills ensure that their crew not only have the street cred, but also have commercial appeal to put them on the world stage with the best as well. Da L.E.S has also began to extended himself into other mediums as seen by the fact he now hosts the youth Hip hop show, Shiz Niz, on E- TV that airs every Wednesday afternoon.
If you don’t believe all that has been said and done just listen to their 2007 release Motherland Crunk! The Jozi boys are the complete package as they also hold it down on the stage, with one of the best stage acts on the local scene. This is a crew that definitely needs to be seen and heard!
The Jozi crew also included Luther Cohen, popularly known as Crazy Lu.
Da LES aka Fresh2Def (Leslie Mampe), fuelled by singles like We on fire and Tippy toes went on to release a successful solo record and won some international honours and nominations. Bongz (Bongani Fassie) also had a track Girlz with Maggz.
They released their debut album called Wildlife on November 9, 2009.
Some of their songs include What's with the attitude, Muthaland, Africa Unite, Rock with You, 011, Let Me Take You Away, Come Join Us, Let it Roll, Swagga, Far From Easy, You Alone, Da One (Hiyo Le), etc