From beats to politics and back, Ringo Madlingozi’s life proves that authenticity leads to longevity.  

Many of us have an idea of what being 61 would look like… perhaps you picture yourself enjoying the fruits of a career well established; maybe you’d like to live a laid-back, low-key life with those closest to you, or maybe you’d be well into a hobby or lifestyle that started out as a mid-life crisis (yes, they are real!).  

For legendary Afro-soul artist Ringo Madlingozi, his sixties have graced loyal fans with a new album and a tour — following a stint as a member of parliament. Interesting, right? We shine the spotlight on the life of this living legend.  

Alive and well  

Ringo, right now, is healthy and still at it. This was confirmed by the musician himself in response to social-media reports in March this year that claimed the singer had passed away. He shut down the rumours — and released his new album lkhwelo as proof of life in April, his first music release in 10 years.  

To understand the icon status Ringo has built for himself, you need to know where it all started. Back in 1986, Ringo and his band Peto won the Shell Road to Fame contest, which was a national talent search competition that aired on SABC. The intention was to give talent from the townships the opportunity to start a career in the public eye.  

After winning the competition, two of Peto’s members — Ringo and Alan Cameron — decided to form a new group called Gecko Moon, the artists behind the hit song ‘Green-Green’, a catchy pop-reggae track.  

Ringo’s vibe is all about being authentic to who he is. But he acknowledges that this emphasis was somewhat influenced by Chris Blackwell, iconic producer and head of Island Records (the man who put Jamaican reggae music on the map back in the early 1960s). “Blackwell chided me for not sticking to what I know best — my people, my language and my culture,” says Ringo.  

“It was as if a bright light had been turned on in my mind and this led directly to the recording of my debut album, Vukani.” This album was special as it set the precedent for what was to come — the start of who he is and why he is who he is.  

Vukani (meaning ‘wake up’) could be seen as a literal turning point in Ringo’s professional life. In some ways, it was the album that allowed him to fully embrace his roots, which were largely inspired by amagqirha, traditional healers and their rhythms. He turned the traditional sounds into his own with a few musical additions he’s now famously known for.  

By following what he knows best, Ringo has had an impressive career that spans decades, includes several albums and won him many awards. He doesn’t do this by following what others are doing — instead, he stands by what he believes in and what he knows works for him and his fans.  

“Growth is important — I can’t follow trends or mimic what’s current. My approach has always been about creating something timeless and meaningful, and that hasn’t changed,” he said in an interview with News24.  

While his musical approach is to stick to his style, Ringo acknowledges how other musicians are combining their worlds — the cultural impacts they’ve grown up with and modern international influences — whether by including traditional sounds in songs or taking local genres like amapiano to the global stage.  

@metrofmsa We have Ringo Madlingozi LIVE on #LifeAndMusic with Paul Mtirara tonight #LiveNights ♬ original sound – METROFMSA

A living legend  

Ringo is no stranger to our music scene — he’s been contributing to the joy and unity of the country through his authentic style for years. So, it’s only right that he’s been recognised for his work. Recently, he received the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 30th annual SAMAs (in 2024).  

“I never imagined myself being honoured with this type of an award and am thankful to Recording Industry South Africa and everyone who’s behind this,” he said in his speech. “I’ve scooped many awards, including the African ones, Best Artist from Southern Africa at the Kora Awards… This one is special because it shows I’m still recognised at my age, showing that my contribution and collaboration with other musicians is recognised.”  

From performance to politics  

Ringo says he is inspired by everyday life and his songs come from the conversations, experiences and new ideas he’s exposed to. And what’s more connected to the everyday existence of people than politics?  

One might argue that every individual has a duty to have social consciousness; to do what they can to address the issues in society and to facilitate change where they can. Ringo had been playing his part in this through his music — until 2014, when he decided to play a more active role as a politician.  

After being an ANC member for many years, he made the move to the EFF. He went on to become a Member of Parliament in 2019, before stepping away from his stint as a politician last year.  

The reason? He wanted to get back to music and creating change through storytelling. “I don’t blame those who distanced themselves from me because of my political affiliation, but I’m now free without any political affiliation,” he announced.  

This move back to music is allowing Ringo to inspire others while doing what he’s most passionate about and what he believes his true calling is.  

Singing the same song in a new way 

He may no longer be a working politician, but Ringo is still trying to make a change in the world — and the messages in his new album carry love, unity and hope in them. His storytelling highlights societal issues, but he also doesn’t shy away from the role self-reflection plays in reaching a united front as a nation.  

“Ikhwelo (meaning ‘whistle’) is a call to remember who we are, to stop searching for love outside ourselves and recognise the light within,” he told Grocott’s Mail. If we affirm ourselves — ‘I’m beautiful, I’m harmonious, I’m one with all life’ — then we begin to shift how we treat each other.”  

While the album is about love, “it also reflects the challenges we face as a country, but with solutions and hope,” he told News24. We need music that reflects the times and carries a meaningful message for future generations.”  

He does this in vernac, intentionally, and in doing so, he’s contributing to the cultural preservation of his language and traditions — important work in a global-focused era that seems to be blending together identities. 

Words: Shani Tsai 

Photography: Gallo/Getty images 

Also read: Emo Adams: South Africa’s multi-talented entertainer extraordinaire