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Quick Facts
Born
1975
1975
From
South Africa
South Africa
Journey
Tshepo Seate, born May 9, 1975, in South Africa’s North-West province, also known by his stage name Stoan, is a renowned South African musician, television personality, and entrepreneur. He rose to prominence in the mid-1990s as a founding member of the influential kwaito group Bongo Maffin, alongside DJ Jah Seed, Thandiswa Mazwai, and Speedy. The group became known for blending kwaito with reggae, soul, and hip-hop, helping shape the sound of modern South African urban music. Albums such as The Concerto and Bongolution earned multiple industry awards and cemented their place in the country’s music history.
Before achieving fame, Stoan briefly pursued studies in advertising after moving to Johannesburg, but music soon became his primary focus. Early in his career, he performed under the rap alias Stoan Kold-T, a name that eventually evolved into the stage name he is widely known by today.
Beyond his work with Bongo Maffin, Stoan has released solo projects including Siyabonga, Africa Unite, and The Journey. He remains active in music and occasionally performs as a DJ under the moniker Uncle DJ Stoanito, reflecting his ongoing passion for sound and performance.
Throughout his career, he has worked with several influential South African artists, including Thandiswa Mazwai, Speedy, DJ Jah Seed, Brenda Fassie, Rebecca Malope, and other collaborators within the kwaito and Afro-soul space.
As a member of Bongo Maffin, Stoan shared in several major industry awards. The group won Best African Pop Album at the South African Music Awards (1999) for The Concerto, Best African Group at the Kora Africa Music Awards (2001) for Bongolution, and Best African Pop and Best Duo/Group at the Metro FM Music Awards (2001). They also received Best Duo/Group at the South African Music Awards (2002) for Bongolution, and later won Best Duo/Group at the South African Music Awards (2006) and Best African Group at the Kora Africa Music Awards (2006) for New Construction.
Stoan has also maintained a strong presence in South African television and broadcasting. He has hosted several popular programs, including the live music show Afro Café on SABC2, as well as Castle Loud and the game show Lillizela. As an actor, he appeared in the youth drama Soul Buddyz, where he played the character Pule, and later portrayed Sefako in the drama series The Wife. The show Afro Café, which he presented, received a Golden Horn Award at the South African Film and Television Awards (SAFTA) for Best Music Show in 2013.
In addition to entertainment, Stoan has expanded his work into business and cultural initiatives. He owns the craft brand Native Gin and collaborates with the lifestyle apparel brand Magents. He is also involved in promoting cultural and agricultural tourism in the North-West province through the Pots and Poets Bush Experience, a project focused on celebrating heritage, storytelling, and local traditions.
A father of daughters, Stoan remains committed to building a lasting legacy through music, media, and entrepreneurship. With a career spanning more than two decades, he continues to influence South African culture as an artist, storyteller, and advocate for creative expression.