Hip-hop group Jozi were planning a comeback at this year's Made in Mzansi Festival, taking place on 28 and 29 September 2024, at Freedom Park in Tshwane. The group is made up of group members Ishmael (Ish), Lesley Mampe (Da L.E.S), Bongani Fassie (Bongz), and Crazy Lu (Luther Yakanawa Cohen) who have since passed away following a short illness. The remaining group members had put their differences aside to be a surprise act at the festival with access to three stages and over 50 performing artists, three art exhibitions, one film festival and food and craft markets at the museum.
10 YEARS APART
Ten years ago, the group split with Crazy Lu moving overseas and Bongani distanced himself from the group. Reports on the group's split stated that there was a dispute involving money with Muthaland label boss ,Lance Stehr. At the time, Bongani and two friends, Gift Magubane and Tessa Nxumalo, were arrested following allegations that they stole studio equipment valued at R650k from Muthaland. Da L.E.S. and Ishmael were the two remaining members of the group. Despite their shortcomings, the group was said to have been in talks and convinced Bongani to agree to a reunion. "They were planning a reunion after a decade apart and have been in talks about sorting out their differences, making things work, and maybe performing at the upcoming festival. But that might not see the light of day as Leslie is still not looking good,' a close friend said.
MIGHT NOT REUNITE
The friend added that Da L.E.S. is still in the hospital and might be there for some time. "He still needs prayers and his family is hoping he makes a full recovery,' the friend said. Ishmael told ZiMoja that he would still be performing at the festival. "I look forward to being part of the festival,' he said. "Yes, we had been in talks as Jozi, and we have never stopped being brothers; we just needed to mend a few broken issues in the relationship. We pray that Leslie gains his strength and recovers,' Ishmael said. Bongani said he will never stop making music, with or without Jozi. "I will never stop. At this stage, I don't want to talk about the group or Leslie's condition. Those close to us know,' Bongani said.
