The recipients of a South African Music Award as Best Kwaito Band, in 1999, they were named "Best African Group" at the KORA All-African Award ceremonies in 2001. Zimbabwe-born musician and DJ Appleseed (born Oscar Appleseed) formed Bongo Maffin shortly after moving to South Africa in 1996. Vocalist Stoan previously worked as a backup singer for South African kwaito artist Thebe. Thandi (Red), who joined in 1997, previously worked as a backup singer and session musician. After building a solid fan base in South Africa, the group reached out to an international audience, in 2000, with a World Wide Groove tour of France. They performed in England and Denmark the following year. ~ Craig Harris