JOZI is one of South Africa’s newest and already prominent Hip Hop crews. Their name is derived from Johannesburg (aka Jo’burg/Jozi) South Africa, where they all reside. With their musical talents and endeavours they are defiantly representing the city of Jo’burg not only in South Africa but the rest of
the world.

The crew comprises of Bongani Fassie - Bongs, Ishmael – Ish and Lesley Mampe - Da L.E.S. Their collective dynamics contributes to their unique sound, which they have termed Muthaland Crunk.

Ish holds down the vocals which he has been known to do since the early 1990’s within groups like P.O.C and Skeem. This SAMA award winner has gained widespread experience and exposure both locally and abroad, when he toured with the likes of the Fugees and Public enemy. The fact that he still holds it
down with JOZI is testament to his ability and versatility as a singer.

The fusion of the current Hip Hop sound is created by the production skill of one of South Africa’s best producers, namely Bongs. Not only does this musical prodigy produce but he can also sing and lay down a verse like only the best MC/producers can. Bongs is remarkably versatile in terms of the genres he can
operate in. This is seen by the fact he produced and released a Jazz album titled Makana Square in 2004, by himself.

Finally - your Boy Da L.E.S. The US raised pretty boy and ladies man of the crew whose lyrical MC skills ensure that the crew not only have the street credit, but also have commercial appeal to put them on the world stage. Da L.E.S has also extended himself into other mediums as he now hosts the youth Hip Hop
show, Shiz Niz on E- TV that airs every Wednesday afternoon.

When Akon, Kanye West, 50 Cent, The Game and Nas came to South Africa, JOZI was instantaneously called upon to open for these international Hip Hop artists. The group made their mark when they took home an MTV Africa Music Award for best live performance and were also nominated three times for the
African Music Awards which took place in London in December 2008.

They have just returned home from the official Cartoon Network Spring Break in Panama City in Florida, where college students from all over the country converged for one week of pure unadulterated fun. Along with normal activity that takes place during spring break, American College students from all over the
country were introduced to a South African sensation that has already taken SA and the UK by storm.

If you don’t believe all that has been said and done just listen to their 2007 release Muthaland Crunk! JOZI is the complete package as they also hold it down on the stage, with one of the best stage acts on the local scene.

The Muthaland Crunk Boys have recently been named as the official 46664 ambassadors. This is a crew that definitely needs to be seen and heard!