Ringo Madlingozi

When Ringo Madlingozi released his debut solo album in 1996 it marked the start of a remarkable career that has spanned nearly three decades. Born in Gugulethu, Cape Town, Sindile “Ringo” Madlingozi cut his musical teeth in an acapella group at school and then as the singer of the group Ikwezi.  
 
In 1986 he joined Afro-Jazz band Peto which became a crossover favourite and, later, with fellow Peto member, Alan Cameron, he formed the reggae-leaning Gecko Moon. His enviable versatility as a vocalist was established in these early years but it was only with the release of “Vukani” in 1996 that Ringo’s now legendary signature sound was given its first platform.  
 
Ringo Madlingozi acknowledges the debt of gratitude he owes to Chris Blackwell in having the confidence to shine a light on his original material: on meeting Blackwell in the mid-1990s, the renowned producer gently encouraged Ringo to make music about the people, places, language and culture that he knew best.