“While the words Passion, Pain and Pleasure immediately invoke stimulating thoughts, for me they have become somewhat of a personal mantra because they so accurately describe this time in my life,” says Happy. “The passion I have for my art fuels my drive and work ethic, while the sacrifice of my personal life to benefit my career will always be a source of pain.
The pleasure that I derive from my work and my accomplishments makes everything worth it.” he concludes. Happy Mpendulo Mdunjana was born in Port Shepstone, is the second oldest of three siblings; younger brothers and older sister. He began singing at around the age of eleven when him and his childhood friends formed a boy group. They would perform in churches, school plays and local events, just to name a few, but immense recognition was established when they won the South African Championships of performing arts held in Rustenburg in 2001, where they got a chance to participate at the world championships of performing arts which were held in Hollywood.
It all began to change drastically after he was introduced to Sphiwe Jula, a Port Shepstone music producer. That’s when professional recording took a head start for the youngster, taking shape in growth and polishing his craft for some time. A number of events and accomplishments took place during that period, including the feature on the nation wide Jet compilation, but the break through came about when Dj Bongs, an established Durban dj, heard “Superstar” , a song composed by Happy which was later compiled in Bongz’s album. Happy then went on to compose the hit song “Million times” which was featured on Dj Chynaman’s album, Chynaman’s House 2. The song created a major buzz and anticipation in the music industry and it became clear that an album release would soon take off.
Adding to his string of hits that Happy has composed and produced are Culoe Da Song’s “Loving Marvin” and “Destiny” featured on Giggs Superstar’s and Dj Game’s albums. Building up to the anticipated album titled ‘Ahead Of Time’, Happy has to date released two singles; titled ‘Belinda’ and ‘Emmanuel’ which are driving the local club scenes and stations crazy through Dreamer Music Entertainment, which has a new feel, much different from what he has done previously, the album is now available in all music retailers through Mesh (p.k.a Soul Candi Distribution). His music video for the song ‘Belinda’ is currently flighting on Channel O, MTV Base and soon to be added on a number of other stations/shows. Happy also has quite a busy schedule with gigs pilling up on a daily basis and has to date performed at the Mtata Jazz Fest, Amcor Dam Music Explosion, a four venue Eastern Cape Tour, Hibiscus Coast Municipality Gala Dinner and Beach Festival to name but a few. Ahead Of Time is a long awaited/long overdue album by Happy and one would call the album as a love soulful house album encompassing fat basses and electro sounds. Happy also considers Michael Jackson as one of his biggest influences. He mentions that he respects his ability to reinvent himself and aspires to be even just a quarter as successful.
