Biography: Busiswa Gqulu, popularly known as Busiswa or Busi, is a South African singer, songwriter, and poet who has made a name for herself in the genres of kwaito, house and gqom. She is known for her energetic performances, catchy lyrics, and collaborations. She has also been involved in various social causes, such as women empowerment, gender-based violence, and HIV/AIDS awareness.
Early Life and Education
Busiswa was born on 8 November 1988 in Mthatha, Eastern Cape. She moved to Durban with her family when she was young. She developed a passion for poetry when she was 15 years old and started writing and performing her own poems. As a result, Busiswa joined the collective Young Basadzi Women of Poetry in 2005 and participated in various poetry events and festivals. She also hosted her own monthly poetry sessions called 1st Word Sessions at the Bat Centre in Durban.
Busiswa completed her high school education at Mowat Park High School in Durban. She could not afford to go to university due to financial constraints, so she decided to pursue a career in music and poetry. She worked as an art teacher at an art centre where she taught children different forms of art.
Busiswa Biography [Image: @busiswaah/Instagram]
Busiswa Career Breakthrough
Busiswa’s career breakthrough came in 2011 when she met Sir Bubzin, a producer who invited her to feature on his song Syaphambana. The song caught the attention of Oskido, the CEO of Kalawa Jazmee Records, who signed Busiswa and Sir Bubzin to his label. The song was released on the first Kalawa Jazmee Dance compilation album in 2011.
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Later that year, Oskido asked Busiswa to record a song with DJ Zinhle called My Name Is. The song was a huge hit and propelled Busiswa to fame. She co-wrote the song with DJ Zinhle and received extensive airplay on radio stations across South Africa.
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She also performed the song at local and international events, such as the Big Brother Africa finale and the Channel O Music Video Awards.
Busiswa Musical Success
After her successful debut with My Name Is, Busiswa continued to release hit singles and collaborate with other artists. Some of her popular songs include Ngoku, Lahla, Gobisiqolo, Bazoyenza, Banomoya, Midnight Starring, SBWL, Makazi, and My Power. She has worked with artists such as Uhuru, DJ Maphorisa, Moonchild Sanelly, Niniola, Prince Kaybee, Beyoncé, Major Lazer, Cassper Nyovest and Sho Madjozi.
Busiswa has also released two studio albums: Highly Flavoured in 2017 and Summer Life in 2018. Both albums received positive reviews from critics and fans alike. She has also won several awards and nominations for her music, such as the Channel O Most Gifted Dance in 2014. South African Music Award for Best Kwaito Album in 2018 and the MTV Africa Music Award for Best Breakthrough Act in 2014.
Busiswa Social Activism
Besides music and poetry, Busiswa is also passionate about social issues that affect her community and country. She has been vocal about women empowerment, gender-based violence, HIV/AIDS awareness, xenophobia, racism, and police brutality.
Busiswa Biography [Image: @busiswaah/Instagram]
The singer has also been an advocate for body positivity and self-love. She has embraced her curves and natural hair and encouraged other women to do the same. She has also shared her personal struggles with depression and anxiety and urged others to seek help if they need it.
Personal Life
Busiswa is a proud mother of one son named Lakhanya Gqulu. He was born on 8 January 2018. His father is Katlego Mlangeni, also known as DJ Kaygee The Vibe. Busiswa and DJ Kaygee were in a relationship for two years before they broke up in 2019 due to alleged abuse by DJ Kaygee.
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