Ringo Madlingozi
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 persevered 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.
He sings about healing…LOVE, PATIENCE, KINDNESS & FORGIVENESS
Born in Cape Town in 1964, Sindile “Ringo” spent his childhood and school days in Gugulethu township, but finished high school in Umtata.
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.
Ringo was musically active from a young age, and while at school, led an acapella group which performed at
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.
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.
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.”