IN CONVERSATION WITH BENLAY
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Born Banele Mngadi in 1999, Benlay is a rising star in the South African music
scene, known for his vibrant blend of Afro Pop, Hip-Hop, R&B, Kwaito, and
Amapiano. Hailing from KwaZulu-Natal, this young artist, songwriter, and
performer has been steadily building a name for himself since moving to
Johannesburg to pursue a full-time music career.
Signed under Dizzy Monk Entertainment, Benlay has spent years honing his
craft, creating music that combines contemporary pop appeal with a strong
African identity. His sound has attracted collaborations with some of South
Africa’s most respected Hip-Hop artists, including Ginger Trill and Maraza,
and he has also contributed music for a Debonairs commercial.
Benlay has performed widely, including successful school tours in KwaZulu-
Natal in 2019 and 2022, bringing his energetic performances to young
audiences. Over the past few years, he has been part of several creative
collaborations with artists like The Qwellers, Indigo Stella, Wichi 1080,
Espiquet, and Xplosive DJ.
In 2020, Benlay released the inspiring “Kuningi” music video, filmed by Pilot
Films in his hometown of Mandeni, showcasing his roots and authentic
storytelling. He continued to make waves with his single “Sweet Pull Up”,
featuring one of the hottest names in Hip-Hop, Maglera Doe Boy. The track
premiered on MTV and reached the top spot on Metro FM's Absolute Hip
Hop Chart as well as 5FM's The Stir Up, cementing his growing influence in
the South African music industry.
Looking ahead, Benlay is working on exciting new projects, including his
debut album, promising to deliver even more innovative sounds to his fans.
scene, known for his vibrant blend of Afro Pop, Hip-Hop, R&B, Kwaito, and
Amapiano. Hailing from KwaZulu-Natal, this young artist, songwriter, and
performer has been steadily building a name for himself since moving to
Johannesburg to pursue a full-time music career.
Signed under Dizzy Monk Entertainment, Benlay has spent years honing his
craft, creating music that combines contemporary pop appeal with a strong
African identity. His sound has attracted collaborations with some of South
Africa’s most respected Hip-Hop artists, including Ginger Trill and Maraza,
and he has also contributed music for a Debonairs commercial.
Benlay has performed widely, including successful school tours in KwaZulu-
Natal in 2019 and 2022, bringing his energetic performances to young
audiences. Over the past few years, he has been part of several creative
collaborations with artists like The Qwellers, Indigo Stella, Wichi 1080,
Espiquet, and Xplosive DJ.
In 2020, Benlay released the inspiring “Kuningi” music video, filmed by Pilot
Films in his hometown of Mandeni, showcasing his roots and authentic
storytelling. He continued to make waves with his single “Sweet Pull Up”,
featuring one of the hottest names in Hip-Hop, Maglera Doe Boy. The track
premiered on MTV and reached the top spot on Metro FM's Absolute Hip
Hop Chart as well as 5FM's The Stir Up, cementing his growing influence in
the South African music industry.
Looking ahead, Benlay is working on exciting new projects, including his
debut album, promising to deliver even more innovative sounds to his fans.
