DBN Gogo - Early Life, Education, Career Achievements, Personal Life and Songs

Mandisa Radebe, widely recognized by her stage name DBN Gogo, is a versatile South African DJ, musician, and music producer. She rose to fame through her appearance on Lockdown House Party on Channel O. DBN Gogo gained significant attention in South Africa with the release of her debut single "Khuza Gogo," which achieved Platinum certification.

Early Life and Education

DBN Gogo in Durban, South Africa. Her family later moved to Pretoria, where she spent a significant portion of her upbringing. Additionally, she spent part of her childhood in France, which provided her with a diverse cultural background. From an early age, DBN Gogo showed a keen interest in music, actively participating in school choirs. She pursued higher education in law at the University of Pretoria, further highlighting her multifaceted talents. As of 2024, she is 31 years old as she was born on May 30, 1993.

Career Achievements

DBN Gogo began her music career in 2018, but her big break came in 2020 when she appeared as a DJ on Channel O's Lockdown House Party, gaining widespread recognition. On March 19, 2021, she released "Khuza Gogo," featuring Mpura, Ama Avenger, and M.J., which quickly became a hit and was certified platinum in South Africa.

On August 21, 2021, she released her first collaborative EP, Thokoza Café, with DJ Dinho. In October 2021, DBN Gogo made history by becoming the first South African artist to join Spotify's Global Equal program.

On February 1, 2022, she was announced as the host for Boiler Room x Ballantine's True Music Studios. That same month, she established her own record label, Zikode Records, in partnership with Universal Music Group. On March 4, 2022, she released the track "Bells," a collaboration with TNK MusiQ and DJ Stopper featuring Eltonk SA, which topped the local streaming charts.

DBN Gogo was also featured on Spotify's Africa Radar program in March 2022. On April 24, 2022, she headlined the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival in the U.S., further solidifying her international presence. She announced her debut studio album, What’s Real, in early November 2022, which was officially released on November 25, 2022.

Personal Life

DBN Gogo comes from a prominent business and political family. Her father, Jeff Radebe, is a former South African Minister of Energy in the Presidency, and her stepmother, Bridgette Motsepe Radebe, is a successful businesswoman and mining magnate. Cyril Ramaphosa, the current President of South Africa, is her uncle, while Patrice Motsepe, a wealthy businessman and President of the Confederation of African Football, is her maternal uncle. She is fluent in both English and French. DBN Gogo has two siblings, Malaika Radebe and Vukani Radebe. 

In 2022, she was in a relationship with South African rapper Lethabo Sebetso, also known as Focalistic. The two were often seen together, and in March 2022, they traveled to Paris, France, sharing their experience on social media. In late 2023, she was rumored to be romantically involved with a man named Trizz King Mageba. As of 2024, it has been confirmed that she is currently dating the actor Luthando BU Mthembu, also known as Fancy Face, from the show Adulting.

Discography

Studio Albums

Thokoza Café (2021) (with DJ Dinho)

Break Through (2021) (with Unlimited Soul)

Whats Real (2022)

Click Bait (2024)

Singles

2019

"Mayonie" (DBN Gogo featuring Jobe London, Makhanj, the LowKeys)

2020

"Sgubu" (Shuffle Musiq, Dinho, DBN Gogo featuring Kbrizzy & Malindi)

2020

"Khuza Gogo" (DBN Gogo Blaqnik, Masterblaq featuring Mpura, AmaAvenger, M.J)

"Kash" (Junior De Rocka, DBN Gogo featuring Khvya M & Tripl3x_Da Ghost)

"Zwonaka" (Mellow & Sleazy, DBN Gogo)

2022

"Bambelela" (DBN Gogo, Felo Le Tee, Pabi Cooper featuring Young Stunna)

"Bells" (DBN Gogo, TNK Musiq, DJ Stopper featuring Eltonk SA)

"Buya (feat. Nvcho, Nia Pearl, Madlamini, S・O・N, Mathandos, Nicole, Nanette)

"Back2School" (Mellow & Sleazy, DBN Gogo featuring Thabza Tee & LastBorn Diroba)

2023

"Rough Dance" (DBN Gogo, Reece Madlisa, featuring 2woshort, Classic Deep, six40) "Washaaa" (Sfarzo Rtee, Kelvin Momo, DBN Gogo featuring Shaun 101)

"Bhuti" (Nobantu Vilakazi featuring 2woshort, Visca, Shaun Musiq, Ftears)

"Masterpiece" (TNK Musiq, DBN Gogo, featuring Rivalz)

"Ziphi" (The Boy Tapes, DBN Gogo, T Man Express featuring DrummeRTee924, DQ Official, Sfarzo Rtee)

"Uweeeh 2.0" (PRVIS3, Xola TSM, DBN Gogo featuring 2woBunnies)

"Daily Paper" (Thutho The Human, DBN Gogo, K-Mat featuring Papa Ghana)

"SAdesFakSHen" (DBN Gogo, Benny Bennasi, Thutho The Human)

"Baba Kat Girl" (Unkle Ken, DBN Gogo, Moonchild Sanelly featuring ShennyDaDeejay & Candy FLow RSA)

"Jikeleza" (DJ Stopper, DBN Gogo, Khanyisa featuring K-MAT, Stixx)

"Be Honest" (Elton K, DBN Gogo)

"Sikelela" (2woshort, Stompiiey, DBN Gogo, Nvcho, Madlamini)

"Funk 55" (Shakes & Les and DBN Gogo featuring Zee Nxumalo Ceeka RSA, Chley)

"MALI MALI" (DBN Gogo, Shazmiscoul, Yumbs featuring Baby S.O.N & Mashudu)

2024

"iNumber Number" (Omagoqa, DBN Gogo featuring Khanyisa)

"THATHA BAMBA (uLazi Tyler ICU, DBN Gogo featuring Mpho Spizzy, Nation-365, EL Kay Musiq, Yee Taurus)

"Babize" (Good Guy Styles DBN Gogo featuring Pronic DeMuziq, Boontle RSA

Empini (Nthabo, DBN Gogo featuring Mnash, Ze2, Sipho Magudulela)