Buffalo Souljah Biography| Real Name, Age, Music Career, Record Label, Awards
Buffalo Souljah is a highly acclaimed and multi-award-winning reggae recording artist and songwriter hailing from Zimbabwe, who has made a significant impact on the music scene. Currently based in South Africa, Buffalo Souljah has gained recognition and accolades not only in his home country but also across the African continent.
With his roots deeply embedded in dancehall music, Buffalo Souljah has mastered the art of delivering captivating and infectious tunes. His dynamic and versatile style, combined with powerful lyrics and soulful melodies, has garnered him numerous accolades and established him as a force to be reckoned with in the industry.
Real Name
Thabani Ndlovu
Age
16 September 1980
Background
Buffalo Souljah was born in Bulawayo but later moved to Mufakose, Harare. He is the son of the late Zimbabwean saxophonist Unity Ndlovu, known for his collaboration with Thomas Mapfumo in the 70s and early 80s. Following his father’s passing in 1992, Thabani found inspiration in his father’s musical legacy and focused on his own musical career.
He completed his education at Mufakose High School. After completing his education, he relocated to South Africa to further pursue his musical aspirations.
Buffalo Souljagmh (Image Credit: Instagram@buffalosouljah1)
Music Career
Buffalo Souljah’s music career started at the young age of eight when he composed his first song titled “Zuva Randisinga Kanganwe” (The Day I will never forget).
This song was inspired by an incident from his childhood when he and his brother were chased by baboons after provoking them. His passion for music can be attributed to his father, a jazz artist and saxophonist who collaborated with Thomas Mapfumo in the late 1970s and early 1980s.
Later, Buffalo Souljah recorded an Afro-jazz album called “Indlovu Yangena” in collaboration with Mzilikazi Wa Afrika on VaNyoni Beats Records. In 1996, he formed a group called Intelligent Racuss Cruuks, previously known as ULD or Prettybway, with David Zulu and Stewart Chamirai.
The group released three albums that combined Afro-hip-hop, Jiti (a traditional Zimbabwean music genre), and hip-hop elements, incorporating the Zimbabwean instrument Mbira alongside hip-hop drums, kicks, and bass sequences.
In 1999, Buffalo Souljah relocated to South Africa and began working with various South African artists, featuring on their albums. His breakthrough came in 2002 when he collaborated with Ghanaian artist Kweku (aka Instinct). He later joined a group called Street Disciples and released an album titled “The Chosen Ones” under the label Da Apostles.
During his journey, Buffalo Souljah collaborated with Thembi Seete, Hanni (a former Big Brother Africa housemate from Ethiopia), and Angolan singer Cabo Snoop on the song “Styra Inonyengesa.” He gained recognition for his hit dancehall single “Bubble Ya Bums” in 2008, which earned him two Channel O Spirit Of Africa Awards in the categories of “Best Newcomer” and “Best Dancehall/Ragga.”
Record Label
After signing with HOTWAX Records, owned by veteran DJ Waxxy, Buffalo Souljah took a significant step in his career. Eventually, he established his own record label, U.N.A. (United Nations of Africa), where he serves as the owner and head. In 2010, Buffalo Souljah made his first signing to the label, Vanessa Sibanda, popularly known as Queen Vee.
Notably, Queen Vee had previously been crowned Miss Zimbabwe in 2008 before relinquishing her title in 2009 and relocating to South Africa. It was there that she crossed paths with Buffalo Souljah, who recognized her talent and signed her to the United Nations of Africa label. Since joining the label Queen Vee collaborated with acclaimed artists such as A L-Tido, Ziyon from Liquid Deep, and AB Crazy, among others, further solidifying her presence in the music industry.
Awards
Buffalo Souljah has received recognition and accolades throughout his music career. Here is a list of notable awards he has garnered:
Channel O Africa Music Video Awards:
- 2008: “Bubble Your Bumz” – Best Newcomer
- 2008: “Bubble Your Bumz” – Best Ragga Dancehall Video
- 2009: Buffalo Souljah/Taygrin/Gal level for “My Type Of Girl”(Zimbabwe/Malawi/Namibia) – Best Duo or Group
- 2009: “Judgement” – Best Ragga Dancehall Video
- 2011: “Styra Inonyengesa” featuring Cabo Snoop – Best Ragga Dancehall
Soundcity Music Awards:
- 2010: “Ezandlha Phezulu” – Viewers Choice (Voting)
Zimdancehall Awards:
- 2015: Best Artist Diaspora
- 2020: Best International Artist
Zimbabwe Music Awards (ZIMA):
- 2016: International Achiever
Nigeria AFRIMA:
- Best Reggae (specific year not mentioned)
Texas U.S Awards:
- Africa Best Dancehall (specific year not mentioned)
South African Music Awards:
- 2021: Rest of Africa (nomination)
