Busiswa‘s artistry defies genre restrictions, the vocal powerhouse and performer have swerved between genres.
Categorically from poetry to house, kwaito, gqom, hip-hop, and amapiano Known for bodying every song she is featured on, the South African musician has proven her artistry and versatility and staying power over the years.
Introduction
Busiswa Gqulu, known mononymously as Busiswa or Busi, is a South African singer-songwriter and poet.
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Born in Mthatha, Eastern Cape, South Africa, she gained public recognition for her feature on DJ Zinhle’s song, “My Name Is”, after being discovered by Kalawa Jazmee’s CEO Oskido
Overview
Busiswa has worked with famous names in South African music and in 2019, she was one of the few artists selected to feature on the Beyoncé-curated The Lion King: The Gift album.
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She appears alongside Beyoncé, Yemi Alade, Tierra Whack, Moonchild Sanelly, and Nija on the song “My Power”, which is co-produced by gqom stalwart DJ Lag.
Beyonce – My Power feat. Busiswa, Yemi Alade, Moonchild Sanelly, DJ Lag, Nija (Youtube Audio)
She delivers a show-stopping verse in what she describes as a “life-changing experience”, she also appeared on “Black is King,” for the visual representation of the song.
Apart from the Beyoncé co-sign, the musician has been steadily crossing over into a wider audience by collaborating with other artists across the continent and diaspora, having done features with the likes of D’Banj, Niniola, Becca, Patoranking, Juls, Rayvanny, just to name a few.
On her third album My Side Of The Story, released in 2020, Busiswa continues on her expansion mission, with features from Nigerian artists DJ Tunez, Dunnie, and South African heavyweights like DJ Maphorisa, Clap, and Oskido, all of whom she used to work with at the landmark South African label Kalawa Jazmee Records, where she was discovered and given her first big break.
On the album, Busiswa hinted at and pointed on relationships and details personal accounts of her own experiences with love.
Love Song feat. Dunnie (Youtube Audio)
She also uses her voice to address some of the social ills the country has, all while maintaining the dance element of her music.
Relationship with Nigerian acts
She’s intentionally working with Nigerian artists for a couple of reasons, according to her Nigerian artists are trailblazing globally, all over the world, they are pulling the game.
She also likes the fact that Nigerian artists aren’t restricting themselves to Nigeria alone, so strategically building a Nigerian fanbase is a big deal to her career as she will get the love and loyalty from the end.