Bonakele Mbongeni Magongo known as ‘Bonakele M’ in the local music scene, is a passionate and faith-driven young man from Gundvwini in the Manzini region, whose journey in music and ministry continues to inspire many.
Raised in a loving nuclear family alongside his two sisters and one brother, Bonakele M proudly carries the responsibility of being the firstborn child. A devoted born-again Christian, he serves faithfully at Zakhele Church of the Nazarene under the leadership of Reverend Dr Nathi Nkambule. His strong faith and dedication to God have played a significant role in shaping his character and purpose.
Bonakele M’s love for singing began at a young age during his school days. Although many people laughed at him because of his bold confidence even when his singing was not yet polished, he never allowed criticism to silence his passion. Instead, he chose to persevere, driven by an inner determination that refused to give up.
Through resilience, faith and self-belief, he continued to grow in his gift and pursue his calling. Today, Bonakele M stands as a testimony that persistence, confidence and trusting God can turn humble beginnings into a powerful story of growth and purpose. He recently took his ministry to the international stage, undertaking a live recording in Taiwan that pushed his boundaries and redefined his artistic vision.
“Recording in Taiwan taught me that music truly is a universal language. Even though the audience was mainly African and understood both English and siSwati, I intentionally leaned more into English songs so that everyone in the room could connect and worship together freely. At first, I was honestly shaking because this was my very first live recording, and beyond ministering, I was also carrying the responsibility of planning the entire event in a foreign land. But once the atmosphere settled and the crowd responded, the nerves slowly turned into confidence,” he reflected.
“I structured the night into two sets to create balance and connection. The first set introduced my newly written songs, allowing people to experience my personal sound and message. The second set focused on public domain songs, familiar songs that the audience already knew and loved. That decision helped build unity in the room because people could immediately sing along, participate and feel included regardless of background or culture,” he added.
One of the songs that received the loudest reaction during the recording was Cover Me My Lord. Bonakele M believes the song connected so deeply with people because it came from a real and personal place in his life. “My journey has not been easy, and while arranging the song, it became more than just music, it became a prayer,” he said. The message was simple but powerful: asking God to cover and protect him even while walking through life’s darkest valleys, trusting in His promise to never leave nor forsake him.
He believes that the audience felt the sincerity behind the song. It was not just performed but it was lived. Many people could relate to the emotions of struggle, faith and perseverance and hope that the song carried. Beyond the message, the rhythm of the song also created a strong connection. Even though the arrangement had a contemporary feel, it still carried rich African musical elements that instantly reminded people of home. That familiar African sound, blended with worship and heartfelt lyrics, created an atmosphere where people felt both comforted and spiritually connected.
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