Waar was jy when the famous 80s musical band CJB topped the charts with their unforgettable hits such as Tonight, I need somebody, Happy Birthday, The Boss Is Back, I wanna give it to you, and Your Love Is Power to name a few?
If you were born before, during, or even after the 80s — anytime before the year 2000 — you will know this legendary musician whose voice defined an era.
As part of the band CJB, Neo ‘The Boss’ Maphaka became a household name, and when he stepped into his solo career, he gave us unforgettable tracks like Umntwana Wakho and Jealous Down, proving his versatility and staying power in the industry.
But where is Neo ‘The Boss’ Maphaka now? What has life been like for this iconic artist since those glory days, and is there still music in his soul waiting to be heard?
In this exclusive interview with Africa Jamz FM News, Neo speaks to us about where he is now and what he’s currently up to.
From surprise hit to timeless classic
Neo takes us back to 1984, when Tonight I Need Somebody became a hit. He shares what it felt like—and if he ever thought the song would still be a vibe all these years later.
“”I had no idea it would be big. Previously, I had a successful album (Talk About Love by Neo Phil), and we performed at Pelican Night Club in Orlando and at our favourite club in Thokoza, alongside artists like Jimmy Cliff, the O’Jays, and others. Tonight I Need Somebody came as a surprise. The song didn’t even have a music video, but it sold like mad. On stage were Bulelwa Arosi and Lindiwe Mpobole. Rubber Man and the band were magnetic, and I enjoyed every minute performing with them. That track was a real stepping stone to success,” said Neo.
From the spotlight to spiritual roots
A lot of people wondered what happened after CJB became successful. Neo talks about why he stepped away from the spotlight and how that change affected him as a person and an artist.
“I was honoured to go through ukuthwasa (traditional initiation), a practice I still follow today. This journey took me to Eswatini, to a place called Luve, where I learned from the Nkambule and Dlamini families—one based outside and the other in Manzini. I was accompanied by people from the AmaNdau and BaNguni.
“I’m still busy with shows presently and busy starting all over again with hits. Watch this space!,” said Neo.
Lessons from the 80s
The music industry is very different now than it was in the 80s. Neo talks about what he learned back then that still helps him today.
“We don’t stop learning… Listen to what’s coming your way and please contact me,” said Neo.
Who is Neo ‘The Boss’ Maphaka now?
When people remember Neo ‘The Boss’ Maphaka, they think of his powerful voice, vibrant energy, and charm. But away from the spotlight, who is Neo Maphaka now?
“People who know me will tell you that I have never been proud or looked down upon anyone. I’m humble. I played football professionally. If you know Kaizer Chiefs, I was brought there by the late Meneer Mlokoti, who was my teacher at Morris Isaacson High in Soweto. If you know Seshego Stone Breakers from Seshego, which was captained by Trot Moloto, I played there—and Trot was my junior at school. I was also the first Black owner of a Spur Steak Ranch in Dobsonville Mall, Soweto. So, I run my business in Limpopo,” said Neo.
HAVE YOU CHECKED THIS OUT: Saying Goodbye to James: Dingaan ‘DSK’ Khumalo reflects on 22 years with ‘Muvhango’ and life after the curtain falls
[…] HAVE YOU SEEN THIS: ‘Tonight, I need somebody’: Tracking down ‘CJB’s Neo ‘The Boss’ Maphaka […]
[…] HAVE YOU CHECKED THIS OUT: ‘Tonight, I need somebody’: Tracking down ‘CJB’s Neo ‘The Boss’ Maphaka […]