I met Mörda in 2023 when I worked at Soulistic Music, he was known as Murdah Bongz at the time. I got to know him as Bongani, an incredible artist, performer, DJ and one half of award-winning outfit Black Motion. He has since made a name for himself as a solo artist with three magnificent albums, international collaborations and featuring in movie soundtracks. His rise has been a marvel to witness.

We meet at the Sunshine Studios in Parkwood, he is dressed in baggy brown pants and a matching top, accompanied by his manager Thuthu Maqhosha. We hug and exchange niceties before ushering him to the makeup and wardrobe departments.

Always easy to work with, he candidly talks about his split from Black Motion and how he is still a fan of Black Motion. “A lot happened, dishonesty, hurtful moments too and many other things that led to the split of Black Motion. It is a chapter in my life that I will always be grateful for, it made me who I am but I am focused on my future projects. I know fans will always ask and hope for a reconciliation, I harbour no ill feelings but I am at a very different frequency now and wish Black Motion all the best…”. There is a great song Takala which is titled Black Motion ft Morda, I ask about how that came about.

“My friends… producers called me saying they would like me to work on a song, I was not aware it was also with Black Motion at the time, we worked and I found out later when the song was done. The song is great and I have no issues with that, I am getting paid for my work and that’s all I have to say about that.” 

I had the pleasure of attending the Asante III listening party at his house, where a throng of music industry colleagues, influencers and friends gathered to celebrate this man’s art. This was also the launch of Mörda’s live music events series, called Vault.  From the first to the last song, the album is well-crafted and testament to his growth as an artist. If you listened to the first two albums, you get a sense of continuity but a much deeper sense of growth and detail. 

“I had to step up, dig deeper and craft a sound that represents the new, evolved Morda, who is a solo artist. I wanted to make emotive music that will move people. I want people to be happy, be at peace and fall in love with themselves.” Asante III features incredible artists, the likes of Nomfundo Moh and Nontokozo Mkhize on Glory, Mnqobi Yazo on Izigi, TikTok sensation Sizwe Mdlalose on Mkhwenyana, Nokwazi Dlamini on Makhosi and Ucansi, Brenden Praise on Home and a many other brilliant artists.

Influenced by world music and particularly Latin sounds, Morda does not limit his music for just clubs, but the world and its various settings. He has recently worked on collaborations with Usher, Maxwell and did the soundtrack for The Colour Purple. We are told there is more to look forward to and we are ready to celebrate the phenomenon that is Morda. 

Asked about what inspired the rebrand, Morda wanted to cater for not only his local fanbase but the international market that had started paying attention to his craft. 

A husband, father and just a wholesome family man…we love to see it! Morda married fellow musician and Internet Bestie, DJ Zinhle and together they have a daughter, Asante. He is also a bonus parent to Zinhle’s daughter Kairo. “I love my family, I love my wife. I am learning about being a husband everyday, we are friends and that makes it much easier. I am in a good space, we support each other. My wife has given me a reason to smile again.” 

Morda asked Zinhle’s parents for her hand in marriage, the old-school way and the pair are yet to have their modern wedding. 

Some of his career highlights include traveling all over the world with Black Motion, experiencing the world with his childhood friend, not knowing where the music would take them. And now here he is, with Asante III and international stardom at the door.