Zola 7’s Personal Life
Zola 7 was born Bonginkosi Dlamini on 24 April 1977 in Zola, a township of Soweto, South Africa. He took his stage name from his hometown, and his upbringing there — after his father left his mother to raise the children alone — shaped the gritty authenticity of his art.
Zola 7’s Career
Zola 7 is a South African kwaito musician, actor, television presenter and poet whose work has made him a cultural icon.
Who is Zola 7?
Zola 7 raps in isiZulu laced with Tsotsitaal, the street language of Johannesburg’s townships. He rose to fame at the turn of the millennium as one of kwaito’s most distinctive voices.
Zola 7’s Acting
Zola 7 became widely known for playing the menacing gangster Papa Action in the second season of the television series Yizo Yizo. He also starred in the Oscar-winning film Tsotsi (2005), for which he composed part of the score.
The Zola 7 Show
Zola 7 hosted his own SABC1 show, Zola 7, from 2002 to 2010, a reality-style programme through which he helped ordinary South Africans — from housing the homeless to funding students and giving young creatives a break.
Zola 7’s Health
Zola 7 has spoken publicly about his struggles with epilepsy, a condition that at times affected his health and career. His openness has been widely praised for raising awareness.
Zola 7’s Net Worth
Zola 7’s exact net worth has not been officially disclosed, and estimates vary. His income has spanned music, acting, television and his company Guluva Entertainment.
Zola 7’s Awards & Recognition
Zola 7’s impact was recognised early, with a Metro FM Award in 2001 and the South African Music Award for Artist of the Year in 2002, among other honours across his career.
Zola 7 Q&A
How old is Zola 7?
Zola 7 is 49 years old. He was born on 24 April 1977 in Soweto, South Africa.
Where is Zola 7 from?
Zola 7 is from Zola, a township in Soweto, Johannesburg — the source of his stage name.
What is Zola 7 known for?
Zola 7 is known as a kwaito star, as the actor who played Papa Action in Yizo Yizo, and as the host of his philanthropic show Zola 7.
What is Zola 7’s real name?
Zola 7’s real name is Bonginkosi Dlamini.
