ZOWA ZAR

ZOWA ZAR, born Abongile Gando on August 15, 1991, in Butterworth, Eastern Cape, is a Johannesburg-based Xhosa artist blending trap, Amapiano, Afro House, R&B, Dancehall, and production. Associated with 1TT RECORDS—likely your label—he's gaining momentum in South Africa's urban scene through authentic cultural fusion and dynamic beats.

Musical Style

ZOWA ZAR merges Xhosa heritage with modern trap, R&B, Amapiano, and electronic vibes in tracks like "Washa" and "Savage Freestyle." His sound prioritizes raw expression over strict genres, incorporating deep percussion and soulful layers. This versatility shines in production like "Galaxy Drum" (feat. ST KING) and "The Gods."

Production Role

As a producer, he crafts Afro House alongside trap and R&B, curating "Afro House" and "Afro Mode" charts on Volumo. He founded 1TT RECORDS to nurture artists and hosts the "Ziyakhala Experience" deep house radio show for fresh, soulful sets. His work boosts Johannesburg's electronic scene with Eastern Cape roots.

Key Achievements
•Won 2025 Artes Award in Johannesburg for singing, songwriting, and DJing, elevating Spotify/Boomplay streams.
•Nominated for 2025 SA Upcoming Music Awards (SAUMA) Best Hip Hop Song ("Mqolo").
•2025 Timeline Radio Awards nods: More Streams on Spotify, Best Hip Hop Song, Best Male Artist.Nominated
•2026 Mzansi Arts & Media Awards (7th Annual) for Best Hip Hop Artist.

Top Tracks & Reach
Dominant on Apple Music: EPs like Steeze and Lit drive visibility, aligning with Timeline acclaim. Platforms like Boomplay highlight his MP3s, videos, and interviews. His innovative DJ sets and label push international appeal from local urban traction.