Busi Mhlongo was one of South Africa’s most beloved and influential musicians, known for her unique ability to fuse traditional Zulu music with contemporary genres like jazz, funk, reggae, and rock. Born Busisiwe Victoria Mhlongo on October 28, 1947, in Inanda, KwaZulu-Natal, she rose to international prominence as a powerful singer, dancer, and composer whose music broke cultural barriers while celebrating her Zulu heritage.
Early Life and Musical Beginnings
Growing up in a family that valued music, Busi Mhlongo was exposed to traditional Zulu music from an early age. Her father, who was a singer and a guitarist, played a key role in nurturing her musical talent. By the age of 10, she was already performing traditional Zulu music and dance at community events.
As she matured, Busi developed an interest in blending her cultural roots with more contemporary music forms. She initially performed in local gospel choirs but soon ventured into genres like jazz and urban African music. Her decision to mix traditional Zulu styles with modern genres became one of her defining characteristics and set the tone for her groundbreaking career.
Musical Career
Busi Mhlongo’s career spanned several decades, during which she collaborated with a diverse range of musicians and became one of South Africa’s most revered cultural figures. Her music often carried a message of empowerment and resistance, reflecting the struggles of apartheid and the socio-political challenges in post-apartheid South Africa.
Breakthrough: Urban Zulu
Although Mhlongo had been performing and recording for many years, her most significant breakthrough came in 1999 with the release of her album “Urban Zulu.” The album, produced by South African jazz legend Moses Molelekwa, was a blend of traditional Maskandi rhythms with elements of funk, reggae, and jazz. It was critically acclaimed for its innovative sound and lyrical depth.
“Urban Zulu” earned international recognition and made Busi Mhlongo a household name beyond South Africa’s borders. The album won several awards, including Best African Album at the KORA All Africa Music Awards, and it remains one of the most iconic records in South African music history.
Musical Style and Themes
Mhlongo’s music was deeply rooted in traditional Zulu music styles like Maskandi and Marabi, but her unique gift was her ability to incorporate global influences into her work. She often mixed traditional African instruments like the uhadi bow, mbira, and guitar with contemporary elements like bass guitars, drum kits, and synthesizers.
Her music addressed a wide range of themes, from personal struggles to broader social and political issues. Busi Mhlongo’s songs often spoke about love, identity, cultural pride, and resistance against oppression. Her powerful and emotional voice, combined with her ability to seamlessly move between different genres, allowed her to connect with audiences across cultures and continents.
International Recognition and Collaborations
Busi Mhlongo’s international career took off after her success with Urban Zulu. She performed at festivals and concerts across Europe, North America, and Africa, where her ability to bring Zulu traditions to international audiences was widely celebrated.
Mhlongo collaborated with some of the most significant figures in world music, including Nigerian Afrobeat pioneer Fela Kuti, jazz musicians like Hugh Masekela and Herbie Hancock, and South African artists like Ladysmith Black Mambazo. These collaborations helped to further cement her status as a global music icon, expanding her reach to audiences outside South Africa.
Impact and Legacy
Busi Mhlongo’s impact on South African music and culture cannot be overstated. She was a trailblazer who used her platform to amplify traditional Zulu music while pushing the boundaries of what it could achieve in the global music landscape. Through her music, she not only celebrated her cultural identity but also opened up space for other South African artists to experiment with their sound and find their voice.
Mhlongo was also a symbol of resistance and resilience. Having lived through the apartheid era, much of her music carried messages of hope, unity, and empowerment, resonating with people in South Africa and beyond who were fighting their own battles.
Her influence can be seen in a new generation of South African musicians who continue to blend traditional African sounds with modern genres. Artists like Thandiswa Mazwai, Simphiwe Dana, and Sho Madjozi have credited Busi Mhlongo as an inspiration for their work, as she laid the groundwork for African women in music to express themselves boldly and authentically.
Personal Life and Health Struggles
Busi Mhlongo faced significant personal challenges throughout her life, particularly in the later years of her career. In 2007, she was diagnosed with breast cancer, a battle she fought for several years while continuing to make music and perform. Despite her illness, Mhlongo remained determined to use her art to inspire and uplift others.
Her resilience in the face of adversity was an inspiration to her fans and fellow musicians alike. Even as her health declined, she continued to tour and perform, determined not to let her illness define her legacy.
Final Years and Passing
After a long and courageous battle with cancer, Busi Mhlongo passed away on June 15, 2010, at the age of 62. Her death was met with widespread mourning in South Africa and around the world. Tributes poured in from musicians, cultural figures, and fans who recognized her as one of the most important voices in South African music.
Mhlongo’s passing left a significant void in the South African music industry, but her legacy lives on through her music. To this day, her work continues to inspire artists and music lovers across the world. Her innovative fusion of traditional Zulu music with contemporary sounds helped to shape the sound of South African music, and she remains an enduring symbol of cultural pride and artistic excellence.
Discography and Top Songs
Busi Mhlongo’s discography reflects her versatility and her ability to transcend musical boundaries. Some of her most notable albums include:
- “Urban Zulu” (1999)
- “Indiza” (2003)
- “Freedom” (2007)
Top Songs:
- “We Baba Omncane” – One of her most iconic songs, blending traditional rhythms with a modern twist.
- “Yaphel’ Imali Yami” – A powerful ballad that showcases her vocal prowess.
- “Ngadlalwa Yindoda” – A track that embodies her fusion of Maskandi with contemporary elements.
- “Makhweyane” – A song that highlights her cultural roots and traditional storytelling.
Conclusion
Busi Mhlongo’s contribution to South African music is monumental. Her ability to transcend genre while remaining true to her roots made her a trailblazer in the music industry, and her powerful voice continues to resonate even after her passing. A true cultural ambassador, Mhlongo’s legacy lives on in her timeless music, which remains an essential part of the South African musical landscape.
