Busi Mhlongo, born Busisiwe Victoria Mhlongo on October 28, 1947, in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, was one of the most powerful voices in South African music. Her work transcended genres, blending traditional Maskandi music with elements of jazz, Afrobeat, funk, reggae, and other global sounds. Mhlongo’s bold fusion of styles, powerful vocal ability, and her commitment to championing Zulu cultural heritage made her an icon of South African music, not just as a performer, but as a cultural ambassador. She passed away on June 15, 2010, but her legacy remains deeply woven into the tapestry of South African and global music.
Early Life and Musical Beginnings
Busi Mhlongo grew up in a traditional Zulu family in the coastal province of KwaZulu-Natal. From an early age, she was immersed in the vibrant cultural and musical traditions of her people, particularly Maskandi music, which is deeply rooted in the stories and struggles of rural Zulu men. Maskandi is often referred to as the “Zulu blues” because of its storytelling nature and emotional depth.
As a young girl, Mhlongo’s musical talents became evident. She was inspired by the sounds of her upbringing and became determined to pursue a career in music. By the age of 16, she left her rural home to follow her dream, performing in musical theater groups and gaining exposure to a variety of genres and styles. Her early performances in South Africa showcased her vocal talent, and it wasn’t long before she caught the attention of notable musicians and producers.
Mhlongo’s Unique Fusion of Styles
While Maskandi remained a central part of Mhlongo’s music, she was always an artist eager to explore other sounds. Over her career, she worked with musicians from across the globe, incorporating elements of jazz, funk, reggae, and world music into her Zulu-rooted sound. This resulted in a distinctive Afro-fusion style that set her apart from other traditional Maskandi artists.
Busi’s vocal style was powerful, emotive, and full of depth. Her singing could range from a soft, melodic lilt to intense, primal chants, reflecting the broad spectrum of emotions she conveyed in her music. This versatility allowed her to experiment and collaborate with musicians from a wide range of genres, making her one of the few South African artists to have truly transcended local and international music barriers.
Her collaborations with international artists brought her music to a global audience. During the 1970s and 1980s, Mhlongo lived in several countries, including Nigeria, the United States, and the Netherlands, working with renowned musicians from all over the world. She performed alongside Afrobeat pioneer Fela Kuti, jazz legend Hugh Masekela, and South African greats like Sipho Gumede.
Political and Cultural Significance
Mhlongo’s music was not just about entertainment; it was a political and cultural statement. She was an outspoken advocate for the preservation and celebration of Zulu culture, particularly in a time when South Africa was under the oppressive rule of apartheid. Her songs often carried themes of struggle, resistance, and the resilience of the African spirit.
One of her most notable albums, Urban Zulu (1999), became an instant classic for its bold political and social commentary. The album, which seamlessly blended Maskandi rhythms with Afro-jazz, reggae, and funk, was a response to the post-apartheid era in South Africa. It reflected the growing pains of a country in transition and highlighted the importance of African identity and cultural pride in a rapidly changing world. Songs like “We Baba Omncane” and “Yehlisan’umoya Ma-Afrika” became anthems of pride, empowerment, and unity for many South Africans.
Mhlongo’s personal struggles were also deeply intertwined with her music. As a woman in a male-dominated industry, she faced many challenges, but her determination and her refusal to conform to industry norms allowed her to carve out a space where she could thrive artistically. She was unapologetically African, and her work continued to challenge societal norms, both in terms of gender and culture.
Key Albums and Songs
Throughout her career, Busi Mhlongo released several groundbreaking albums that left a lasting impact on South African music and the global Afro-fusion scene.
- Urban Zulu (1999): Perhaps her most iconic album, Urban Zulu catapulted Mhlongo into international stardom. Produced by her long-time collaborator Will Mowat, the album was a seamless blend of traditional Zulu Maskandi music and global influences like jazz, funk, and reggae. The album was widely praised for its political consciousness, cultural pride, and sheer musical brilliance.
- Babhemu (2000): This album, which followed the massive success of Urban Zulu, saw Mhlongo further explore Afro-jazz and world music sounds. She embraced the political messaging even more directly, offering songs that critiqued inequality, celebrated African resilience, and delved into themes of love and personal hardship.
- Indiza (2006): Another critically acclaimed work, Indiza featured Mhlongo at her most introspective, with songs that focused on personal growth, spiritual journeys, and the complexities of modern African identity.
Beyond these albums, Busi Mhlongo was known for her electrifying live performances, which often involved elaborate traditional Zulu attire and dramatic stage presence. Her shows were more than just concerts; they were cultural celebrations that emphasized the beauty and importance of African traditions.
Personal Life and Challenges
Mhlongo’s life was marked by significant personal hardships, many of which she channeled into her music. She fought against cultural expectations as a woman in the Zulu community and in the broader South African society. In the 1990s, Mhlongo was diagnosed with breast cancer, a battle she fought with great courage. Her health struggles did not deter her from performing and recording music, and even as she was undergoing treatment, she continued to tour and release music that inspired many.
Despite her struggles, Busi Mhlongo remained an indomitable force in South African music, influencing generations of musicians who followed in her footsteps.
Legacy and Impact
Busi Mhlongo’s contribution to South African music and global Afro-fusion cannot be overstated. Her fusion of Maskandi with modern, global sounds made her a pioneer in the field, and her fearless approach to music helped her stand out as a true innovator.
Mhlongo broke barriers for women in the South African music industry, proving that female artists could be as bold and successful as their male counterparts. She helped to elevate Maskandi from a rural folk genre to a globally recognized sound, all while staying true to her Zulu heritage.
Her passing in 2010 marked the end of an era in South African music, but her legacy lives on through her recordings, the countless artists she inspired, and the continued relevance of her music in both South Africa and beyond.
Conclusion
Busi Mhlongo was not just a singer or a musician; she was a cultural icon, a voice of resistance, and a champion of African heritage. Through her music, she bridged the gap between tradition and modernity, creating a unique sound that resonated across generations and continents. As the “Queen of Maskandi,” her influence continues to be felt today, and her legacy as one of South Africa’s greatest musical talents remains firmly intact.
