Busiswa
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Busiswa Biography
Busiswa Gqulu (born 8 November 1988), known mononymously as Busiswa, is a renowned South African singer-songwriter and poet. Originating from Mthatha, Eastern Cape, she rose to prominence after featuring on DJ Zinhle's hit track, "My Name Is," following her discovery by Kalawa Jazmee's CEO, Oskido. Over the years, Busiswa has become a significant figure in the South African music scene, blending her poetic roots with vibrant dance and amapiano sounds, earning her both critical acclaim and a loyal fanbase.
| Full Name | Busiswa Gqulu |
| Date of Birth | 8 November 1988 |
| Place of Birth | Mthatha, Eastern Cape, South Africa |
| Profession | Singer-songwriter, Poet |
| Debut Album | Highly Flavoured (2017) |
| Notable Singles | "My Name Is", "Ngoku", "Lahla", "Bazoyenza" |
| Record Label | Kalawa Jazmee Records, Busiswa Entertainment |
| Children | 1 son (Kgosi Lakhanya Gqulu) |
Early Life
Busiswa Gqulu was born on 8 November 1988 in Mthatha, Eastern Cape. During her childhood, her family relocated to Durban due to her parents' work commitments. At the age of 15, she developed a passion for poetry, performing her first piece at her grandmother's funeral. In 2005, she joined the collective Young Basadzi Women of Poetry, which marked the beginning of her public performances at various events including corporate functions, talent shows, and festivals. She also hosted monthly poetry sessions titled "1st Word Sessions" at the Bat Centre in Durban.
Education
Busiswa matriculated from Mowat Park High School in Durban in 2005. She later enrolled at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, pursuing degrees in Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Commerce. However, due to financial constraints, she was unable to complete her studies and instead chose to focus on a career in the arts.
Career Beginnings (2011–2012)
While performing at live poetry readings, Busiswa met a friend who introduced her to Sir Bubzin. He invited her to feature her poetry on the track "Syaphambana," which was later released on the Kalawa Jazmee Dance compilation in 2011. Impressed by her talent, Kalawa Jazmee's CEO, Oskido, signed her to the label. That same year, she recorded "My Name Is Busiswa" with DJ Zinhle, a song that became a major hit across South African radio stations and earned nominations at the Channel O Africa Music Video Awards and the South African Music Awards.
Rise to Prominence (2013–2016)
In 2013, Busiswa released the dance hit single "Ngoku," which gained widespread airplay and won the Most Gifted Dance Video at the 2014 Channel O Africa Music Video Awards. Later that year, she released "Lahla," featuring DJ Bucks and Uhuru, which amassed over a million views on YouTube. She performed "Lahla" live on several platforms including SABC1's Live Amp and the 2015 Metro FM Awards. In 2016, Busiswa expanded her presence by joining the fourth season of Clash of the Choirs as a choirmaster for KwaZulu-Natal.
Albums and Continued Success (2017–2019)
Busiswa's debut album, Highly Flavoured, was released on 8 December 2017, featuring collaborations with prominent artists such as DJ Maphorisa, Busi N, and Moozlie. The album was nominated for Best Kwaito Album and Best Female Artist at the South African Music Awards. In 2018, she independently released her second studio album, Summer Life, under her own label, Busiswa Entertainment. That year, she also featured on Prince Kaybee's hit "Banomoya." In 2019, she received two nominations at the 25th South African Music Awards and was featured on Beyoncé's album, The Lion King: The Gift, on the track "My Power."
AmaPiano Crossover and Recent Work (2020–Present)
In 2020, Busiswa embraced the amapiano genre, collaborating with Gaba Cannal on the single "Umhlaba Wonke." She released her third studio album, My Side Of The Story, which showcased a shift towards amapiano sounds while maintaining her signature dance and Gqom influences. The album was supported by singles like "Sbwl" featuring Kamo Mphela and "Makazi" featuring Mr JazziQ. Her continued impact in the industry earned her a nomination for Best Female Act at the MTV Africa Music Awards.
Personal Life
Busiswa was deeply influenced by her late mother and grandmother during her formative years. On 8 November 2017, she announced her pregnancy on Instagram, and on 8 January 2018, she gave birth to her son, Kgosi Lakhanya Gqulu. In March 2021, her self-created documentary-reality show, "Her Majesty: Busiswa," premiered on BET Africa, offering fans an intimate look into her life and career.
Other Ventures
Beyond music and poetry, Busiswa is actively involved in community development. She works with Art for Humanity (AFH), conducting workshops to foster appreciation for poetry and visual arts among school children. Additionally, she collaborates with the Umlazi District Department of Education's Youth Development Office, tutoring learners in public speaking, debating, and performance poetry.
Q&A
Q: How did Busiswa start her career in music?
A: Busiswa began her career by performing poetry and was introduced to music through a collaboration with Sir Bubzin, which led to her signing with Kalawa Jazmee Records after the success of "My Name Is Busiswa" with DJ Zinhle.
Q: What genres of music is Busiswa known for?
A: She is known for her work in dance, Gqom, and more recently, amapiano music.
Q: Has Busiswa received any notable awards or nominations?
A: Yes, she has received multiple nominations and awards including at the South African Music Awards, Channel O Africa Music Video Awards, Metro FM Music Awards, and MTV Africa Music Awards.
Q: What is the name of Busiswa's documentary-reality show?
A: The show is titled "Her Majesty: Busiswa" and it premiered on BET Africa in March 2021.
Conclusion
Busiswa Gqulu stands as a dynamic and influential figure in South Africa's contemporary music landscape. From her poetic beginnings to becoming a celebrated singer-songwriter, she has continuously evolved her sound while remaining true to her roots. Her dedication to community upliftment and artistic expression cements her legacy not only as an entertainer but also as a role model and advocate for the arts. With a growing discography and expanding influence, Busiswa's journey reflects resilience, creativity, and an unwavering passion for her craft.
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