Ringo Madlingozi

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Last updated 27 07 11

About Ringo Madlingozi:

Sindile Madlingozi’s career is comprised of the two most important components of his true mission in life. The one part is being the highly successful artist with a string of multi-platinum albums who is celebrated with recognition awards. The other is that of a man who still finds the time to give back to those in need.  

Sindile Madlingozi is a gifted vocalist, drummer, percussionist and guitarist. He is also a multi-talented songwriter, producer and arranger of brilliant music that can be defined in two decades. 

He sings about healing…LOVE, PATIENCE, KINDNESS & FORGIVENESS. Madlingozi is an artist whose true vision in life is to make human kind realize that there is more to life than meets the eye. 

He was born in Gugulethu Township, Cape Town in 1964 but finished his high schooling in Umtata. His vocal abilities were noticed at an early age as a child and it was his love for drumming that earned him the nickname “Ringo” (from The Beatles’ Ringo Starr). 

He started out as a lead singer in Cape Town singing with several groups and he loved performing “Acapella” at community and youth functions. This is undoubtedly what gave him exposure as a vibrant and unique vocalist who could handle a broad scope of studio session work - for radio commercials, film, and album recordings. 

Sindile Madlingozi moved to Johannesburg, where he spent the early 1990's as a member of Gecko Moon, but left the group after their performance in Swaziland. 

He met Chris Blackwell, Bob Marley’s ex-producer, who encouraged him to sing in his native language “Is’ Xhosa” to find his true voice.

However, the meeting with Chris Blackwell also made Madlingozi realize that the main purpose for singing was to speak to people and pass messages that would educate and help them.

Sindile Madlingozi became an EMI CCP success story when he signed up with them as a solo artist in 1996. Mandlingozi is not only recognized for being a multi-talented artist with a sense of authenticity, but is well respected for his abilities to write, produce and arrange brilliant music. 

He is in-demand as a creative collaborator and has worked with renowned local and international stars from Mandoza to UB40 as well as gospel greats, Avante, saxophonist, McCoy Mrubata, trumpeter Prince Lengoasa and Maskandi diva, Busi Mhlongo and more!

Sindile Madlingozi is man always raising awareness around social issues and he stands for positive living. He has always ensured he talks about pressing social issues of the day in his music. He participates in a number of social investment and community development initiatives.

His passionate belief is playing a real role at grassroots level which is where it matters the most. His message about ABUSE, DRUGS, VIOLENCE & CRIME to young people is just as strong and bold as his music whether he is making reference to people who find themselves in jail or the plight of poverty. 

He says: “I want to tell young people that despite their trying backgrounds, they can rise above any circumstances and make something out of their lives.” 

He is a deeply-felt genius who is enjoying a career of longevity that has never lost its momentum. 

CAPE TOWN born vocalist Ringo Madlingozi is currently emerging as one of South Africa’s strongest new live performing acts. 

Ringo however, is no newcomer to the music scene, and has perservered through a succession of bands, and session work which has had him recording with artists as diverse as Hugh Masekela, Simply Red, Teddy Pendergrass (The Power of One) and Caiphus Semenya, as well as for the movie The Lion King. 

Born in Cape Town in 1964, Ringo spent his childhood and school days in Gugulethu township, but finished high school in Umtata. Ringo was musically active from a young age, and while at school, led an acapella group which performed at community and youth functions. He later became vocalist for the group "Ikwezi", but it was to be as frontman for the band "Peto", that his unique vocal talents were first recognized nationally. 

Peto won the national "Shell Road to Fame" talent competition in 1986, and this brought the band - and Ringo - national exposure, with television profile, touring engagements, and the role of support act for the King’s Trust" concert in Swaziland which was headlined by Eric Clapton. 

Peto soon disbanded, and Ringo moved base to Johannesburg, where he spent the early 1990's as a member of Gecko Moon. During this time, he also did a lot of studio session work - for radio commercials, film, and album recordings.

Ringo’s first album, Vukani ("Wake Up!") was released in 1996, during which year he also served as a support act when Papa Wemba toured South Africa as part of the Re-Connection Programme.

His second album, Sondelani ("Get Closer") was released late in 1997, and with its themes of reconciliation and national unity, carried a strong message for South African people. The album achieved Double Platinum status in sales, awards, and major airplay. This has ensured that Ringo has remained a sought after act on the performing circuit in South Africa.