CROSBY bolani | Southafrican Urban Muzik

About Crosby Bolani

BIOGRAPHY

Siyasanga Crosby Bolani (a.k.a Digi-Analog), is a multi-talented artist and producer, whose songs are based on social commentary. Born in Cape Town into a musical family, he grew up in a township on the edge of Cape Town named Gugulethu, a place known for its artistic flair and creativity. With music a part of his family history, and with an all consuming passion for it from a young age, he naturally took to it as a full time career. Turned on to soul and gospel music by his grandmother during schooldays spent in the Eastern Cape, at 15 he established his first group. Calling themselves the Def Boys, they are still to this day regarded as one of the pioneers of Hip Hop on the East Coast of Southern Africa.

At the age of 17, two years later, he returned to live with his family in Cape Town. His father, an oil rig worker by profession, was able during his travels to acquire an extensive collection of Reggae music, music which he then introduced to Gugulethu. Infected by this new sound, Crosby, together with his cousin Zoro, founded a new group, Chronic Clan. In 2002, they won the South African Broadcast Corporation’s national talent search, an award soon followed by their first tour to Europe.

With Zoro eventually deciding to emigrate to Sweden, Crosby began to concentrate on his solo career. Touring relentlessy internationally and collaborating with dozens of artists from Europe, he was soon playing alongside some of the biggest names in the Hip Hop and Reggae arena, including such artists as Rita Marley, Capleton, Sizzla, Gentleman, Talib Kweli and Snoop Dogg.

On August 2013, shortly after returning from a cultural exchange initiative in the Netherlands, Crosby was robbed and shot three times. He survived, driven by his will to live. The attack had a profound impact on his musical career, depriving him of the ability to produce and perform for a number of months. Upon his recovery, pushed by a desire to create and to make use of the gift of life granted to him, he created an electrifying 5 track showcase, The Unity E.P. Recorded at Red Bull Studios in Cape Town, it showcased the paositivity of spirit which flows through him.

Recently, Crosby has worked with world renowned Dj and legendary Japanese producer DJ Krush, appearing on his most recent album, “The Butterfly Effect”. He has also recorded a 12 track reggae album in Munich Germany with the Next Generation Band, which is due to be released in February 2017 (titled “A Better Place”).

Despite his relatively poor background and challenging circumstances whilst growing up, Crosby remains one of the most energetic and positive South African musicians performing today. Through his lyrics and action, he has been a great inspiration to many of the youth in his community, most of whom face huge challenges in their daily lives, the same challenges that he faced whilst growing up.

Crosby’s lyrics are honest and authentic, challenging and questioning. He speaks about the daily struggle of poor people in the ghettos, about nature and it’s destruction, his livity as a Rastafarian, and his knowledge of African culture and history.

 

DISCOGRAPHY

 

Albums: 

  • The world is my hood (2015)
  • Unity EP (2014)

Compilation CD’s:

  • African Dope Soundsystem (2003)
  • Rogue State Alliance (2004)
  • Time-X Riddim (2006)
  • Rogue State Alliance II (2008)
  • Cape Riddims (2011)
  • Sweet Sativa Riddim (2015)


Featured albums:

  • Mix n Blend - Look Mom No Hands (2009)
  • Greis, „So leid“ (2010)
  • Pyro, „Schatteboxe“ (2012)
  • Burni Amann …. (2014)
  • Ganjaman, „Jetzt“ (2014)
  • DJ Krush „Butterfly Effect“ (2015)
  • Mellowmark „Roots & Flügel (2015)


Singles: 

  • TCF Rock Riddim (2014)
  • TCF Ungrateful (2014)