Bongi Mthombeni ?is a South African singer best known as one of the Top 10 finalists on the sixth season of the M-Net reality competition Idols, in 2010.
Born and raised in Thembisa, Bongi started taking music seriously when he was still very young. Completely self-taught, he wowed the Idols judges not only with his voice, but also with his skills on the piano.
Bongi also plays drums and bass guitar, and in his spare time pays visits to orphanages to teach children how to play musical instruments.
Bongi charmed audiences last year as Prince Charming in Janice Honeyman?s Cinderella and recently appeared in the Barnyard?s Theatre production The Summer of Love.
You can catch Bongi as Jack in this year's Janice Honeyman's Jack and the Beanstalk pantomime at the Joburg Theatre.
On a personal note:
This blog has given me many gifts along the way and one of the biggest of all is my journey with the Joburg Theatre and the incredible productions I've watched along the way. More special than that is the people I've met there and Bongi, my friend, you shine out as one of the most awesome people I've gotten to know.
I'm totally bias, because of how special you have become to Pat and myself, but I'm still going to say that you are a shining star in anything you do and I'm so honoured to share your #projectme story with my readers so that they can be inspired by your passion and determination.
Bongi tells his project me story:
What is your definition of happiness?
Having people who love you around, and doing what you love
If you could have everyone say one thing to themselves every day, what would it be?
Everyone must learn to say "Thank you" everyday, even if it's good or bad, whether you have it or not. Gratitude, that will bring more positive outcomes in your life.
We all have that moment when we need someone to believe in us. Who is that person for you and why?
Honestly and truly it has to have been Bernard Jay.He saw something in me that I never thought even existed.Having the potential to be on a theatre stage and act, sing and dance. That for me is believing in someone, when the expectation you have of someone is realized.
What quality do you believe we can never be taught because it is our birth right?
Talent
Describe the moment when you realised that you could achieve anything?
The day I taught myself how to play the piano, without any experience or taking lessons.
How do you deal with the fears that could potentially hold you back?
Face them head-on with a positive attitude and belief that you will over come them.
What have you always dreamed of being or doing and have you reached that dream?
I always dreamed of performing 24/7 for thousands and millions of crowds nearly everyday. And yes my dreams are slowly but surely coming true.
When life gets in the way, what do you always remind yourself of?
The man above. My weaknesses are actually my strengths . He gave me the power and wisdom.So I stay humble and I strike life back ten times.
We all have something unique to offer the world, what is yours?
Myself "Bongi" :I love bringing something unique to a place or an audience, whether in performance or presence.
What do you believe we have lost sight of in the world as a whole?
One love and oneness. In order for the world to stand we need the live with no boundaries and to become one. This world could be very close to heaven.
