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Key Information

Busiswa Gqulu (born 8 November 1988), known mononymously as Busiswa, is a South African singer-songwriter and poet. Born in Mthatha, Eastern Cape, South Africa,[1] she gained public recognition for her feature on DJ Zinhle's song, "My Name Is", after being discovered by Kalawa Jazmee's CEO Oskido.[2]

After a successful collaboration with DJ Zinhle, she released hits singles includes; "Ngoku", "Lahla", and was featured on Bhizer's hit, "Gobisiqolo".[3] On 8 December 2017, she released her debut album, Highly Flavoured, preceded by single, "Bazoyenza". Throughout her career, Gqulu has received numerous accolades. In 2014, she was named in the Mail & Guardian 200 Young South Africans.[4]

Early life

[edit]

Busiswa Gqulu was born on 8 November 1988 in Mthatha, Eastern Cape.[5] When she was young, her family relocated to Durban because of her parents’ work.[5] At the age of 15, Gqulu grew passion for writing poems. "I've been doing poetry since 2004 when I was in Grade 11", she recalled.[6] She performed her first poetry work at her grandmother's funeral.[7] In 2005, she joined the collective Young Basadzi Women of Poetry.[8][9] Since then, she performed her poetry at corporate events, poem sessions,[10] talent shows,[11] and festivals. She also hosted her monthly poetry events which are called "1st Word Sessions" at the Bat Centre in Durban.[12]

After high school,[13] Gqulu performed her poems while trying to find a proper job.[14] She was then employed at an art centre to teach school children arts.[15] Gqulu's parents supported her career choice as they had no money to take her to university.[16][17]

Education

[edit]

Busiswa matriculated in 2005 at Mowat Park High School in Durban. After matric she went to the University of KwaZulu-Natal where she did Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Commerce degrees. However, she could not complete her studies because of financial difficulties and chose to pursue a career in the arts.

Career

[edit]

2011–2012: Career beginnings

[edit]

While performing at live poetry readings, she met a befriend who introduced her to Sir Bubzin.[18] Sir Bubzin invited her while producing the song "Syaphambana". He then suggested to feature her in performing her poems on the track.[8] Gqulu and Sir Bubzin were later signed to Kalawa Record by the CEO, Oskido, after he heard the song.[19] The song was later released on the first Kalawa Jazmee Dance compilation in 2011.[20] Later that year, Gqulu was called by Oskido to record "My Name Is Busiswa" which was produced by DJ Zintle.[21]

The collaboration resulted in a co-writing credit for Gqulu.[22] After recording the song in 2011, she moved to Johannesburg in signing with Kalawa Jazmee Records.[9] The song was a hit and It received extensive airplays in South African radio stations since its release. Gqulu got gigs in several countries, including Zimbabwe, Angola, and Namibia. The song earned nominees at the Channel O Africa Music Video Award including Most Gifted Dance Video and Video of the Year. The song scoped another nomination at the South African Music Award for Record of the Year.[23]

2013–2016: Ngoku and Clash of Choirs

[edit]

"Ngoku" was released on 11 March 2013 as a non-album single on iTunes. The song was accompanied by a video released on YouTube.[24] "Ngoku" became a dance hit with its catchy chorus. The track got several airplays and was commercially successful. Gqulu promoted the single by performing it on e.tv music show Club808, with Oskido. At the 2014 Channel O Africa Music Video Award, the song won Most Gifted Dance category and she performed the song later in the awards ceremony.[25]

In November 2013, Gqulu released a single, "Lahla"[26] featuring Dj Bucks and Uhuru. The song's video accumulated 1 million+ views on YouTube.[26] Gqulu along with Dj Bucks, performed the song live on SABC1 music show Live Amp.[27] She also performed the song at the 2015 Metro FM Awards.[28][29]

In September 2016, Gqulu joined the fourth season of Clash of the Choirs, as a Choirmaster with Kelly Khumalo,[30] Anele Mdoda,[31] JR, Bucie,[32] Sifiso Ncwane and IFANI. She was the choirmaster of the KwaZulu-Natal.[33] Her team was eliminated after a battle with team Western Cape led by IFANI.[34]

2017–2019: Highly Flavoured and Summer Life

[edit]

In August 2017, Gqulu announced that her debut album would be titled Highly Flavoured. Throughout the remainder of 2017, Gqulu was featured on several singles including Tipcee "Isichathulo" and Dj Maphorisa "Vuvushka" and "Midnight Starring".[35][36] "Bazoyenza" was released as the lead single for the album. Gqulu released her debut album Highly Flavoured, which features DJ Maphorisa, Busi N, DJ Athie, Da Fre, DJ Toxic, Nokwazi, Moozlie, Lando and Yasirah. The album was nominated at the South African Music Awards for Best Kwaito Album and for Best Female Artist.[37]

Gqulu officially announced her second studio album release, Summer Life, on her Instagram account; the album was released on 12 November 2018, independently, under Ngqulu new, own company Busiswa Entertainment.[38][39] On 31 August, Prince Kaybee released "Banomoya" featuring Busiswa and TNS.[40]

In 2019, Ngqulu received two nomination at the 25th South African Music Awards, in the Best Dance Album category for her critical acclaimed album Summer Life and Best Female Category.[41] Also in 2019, Busiswa featured on Beyoncé's The Lion King: The Gift album, on the track "My Power".[42]

2020-Present: AmaPiano crossover and My Side Of The Story

[edit]

In 2020, she collaborated with South African Amapiano musician, Gaba Cannal on the single Umhlaba Wonke.[43] In that same year, she released her 3rd studio album titled My Side Of The Story which was built of AmaPiano songs, a departure from her dance and Gqom sounds also crossing over to AmaPiano. The album was supported by two singles, "Sbwl" which featured Kamo Mphela[44] and "Makazi" in which she featured Mr JazziQ.[45]

At the MTV Africa Music Awards, she received a nomination for Best Female act.[46]

Personal life

[edit]

Gqulu spent her early years under the care and guidance of her late mother and grandmother who were a great influence in shaping her strong personality.[47] On 8 November 2017, she revealed that she was pregnant on her Instagram account.[48] On 8 January 2018, Gqulu gave birth to a son, Kgosi Lakhanya Gqulu.[49][50]

In March 2021, her own-created documentary-reality show title "Her Majesty: Busiswa" premiered on BET Africa.[citation needed]

Other ventures

[edit]

In addition to her music and poetry, Busiswa also works for Art for Humanity (AFH[51]) where she provides workshops for school children,[1] as a means to help develop an appreciation for poetry and the visual arts.[52] Gqulu also works with the Umlazi District Department of Education's Youth Development Office, tutoring learners on public speaking, debating and performance poetry.[53]

Accolades

[edit]
Busiswa awards and nominations
Totals[a]
Wins4
Nominations12
Note
  1. ^ Certain award groups do not simply award one winner. They acknowledge several different recipients, have runners-up, and have third place. Since this is a specific recognition and is different from losing an award, runner-up mentions are considered wins in this award tally. For simplification and to avoid errors, each award in this list has been presumed to have had a prior nomination.

Busiswa's contribution to the South African music industry has garnered her multiple awards and nominations in several music award South African Music Awards,[54] Metro FM Music Awards,[55] the Channel O Music Video Awards and MTV Africa Music Award In 2012, she was named in the Mail and Guardian's Top 200 Young South Africans.[56]

South African Music Awards

[edit]

The South African Music Awards (also known as The SAMAs) are the Recording Industry of South Africa's music industry awards, established in 1995.

Year Nominee / work Award Result
2012 My Name Is Record of the year Nominated
2018 Highly Flavored Best Kwaito Album Won
Herself Best Female Artist Nominated
2019 Summer Life Best Dance Album Nominated
Busiswa Best Female artist Nominated

Metro FM Awards

[edit]

Metro FM Music Awards is an annual awards ceremony that was established in 2000 by Metro FM with the aim of offering its listeners to honour their favorite South African artists.[57] Busiswa has received one award nominations.

Year Nominee / work Award Result
2014 Visa Best Music Video Nominated

All Africa Music Awards

[edit]
Year Nominee / work Award Result
2015 Busiswa Best Female (Southern Africa) Won

Channel O Africa Music Video Award

[edit]

First held in 2003 as Reel Music Video Awards, the Channel O Africa Music Video Awards are Pan-African music awards organised by South Africa-based television channel Channel O. Busiswa has won the award once.

Year Nominee / work Award Result
2012 My Name Is Most Gifted Dance category Nominated
Music Video of the year Nominated
2013 Ngoku Most Gifted Dance category Won

MTV Africa Music Awards

[edit]

The MTV Africa Music Awards were established in 2008 by MTV Networks Africa to celebrate the most popular contemporary music in Africa.

Year Nominee / work Award Result
2015 Herself Best Female Nominated

Feather Awards

[edit]
Year Nominee / work Award Result
2019 Herself Musician of the Year Won[58]

Discography

[edit]

As lead artist

[edit]
List of singles as lead artist, with selected chart positions and certifications, showing year released and album name
Title Year Peak chart positions Certifications Album
ZA
"One Night Stand" (Busiswa, Professor) 2012 —
"Lahla" (featuring DJ Buckz, Uhuru) 2014 —
"Ingqondo" 2016 —
"Bazoyenza" (featuring DJ Maphorisa) 2017 —
"Majesty" (DJ Tunez, Busiswa) 2019 —
"SBWL" (featuring Kamo Mphela) 2020 —
"Right Thang" (Shirazee, Busiswa) —
"—" denotes a recording that did not chart or was not released in that territory.

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Busiswa

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Busiswa Gqulu (born 8 November 1988), known mononymously as Busiswa, is a South African , and celebrated for her innovative fusion of spoken-word with electronic dance genres, particularly , , and . Born in , , she relocated to as a child, where she began writing at age 15 and debuted as a spoken-word artist during her grandmother's funeral in 2005, later joining the Young Basadzi Women of Poetry collective. Busiswa's music career took off in 2011 after signing with Kalawa Jazmee Records, where she released her debut single "Syaphambana" and co-wrote and featured on DJ Zinhle's breakout hit "My Name Is," which propelled her to national and international prominence. She independently launched Busiswa Entertainment and released her debut album Highly Flavoured in 2017, followed by the critically acclaimed Summer Life in 2018, which showcased her commanding vocals and dance-floor anthems. Her third album, My Side of the Story, arrived in 2020, incorporating amapiano influences and further solidifying her role as a trailblazing figure in South Africa's evolving electronic music scene; she continued this crossover with releases including the EP Honey & Grace in 2025. Among her notable achievements, Busiswa earned two nominations at the 25th in 2019 for Summer Life in the Best Dance Album category and for Best Female Artist, in addition to prior nods at the Africa Music Video Awards. She expanded her global reach with a feature on Beyoncé's "My Power" from the 2019 album : The Gift, collaborating alongside artists like and . Busiswa has also been recognized in the Mail & Guardian's 200 Young list in 2014 for her cultural impact and featured in the biographical documentary Busiswa: An Unbreakable Story (2019), highlighting her journey from poet to multimedia artist.

Early years

Early life

Busiswa Gqulu was born on 8 November 1988 in , , , into a family of Xhosa heritage. She spent her early childhood under the care of her late mother and grandmother, who played a pivotal role in shaping her strong personality and nurturing her creative inclinations through encouragement and familial support. When she was a young girl, her family relocated to , , where she encountered the vibrant urban environment that broadened her exposure to diverse cultural influences. In 2004, at the age of 15 and while in Grade 11, Busiswa began writing as a means of personal expression, marking the start of her artistic journey; her debut performance occurred at her grandmother's funeral, which further deepened her passion for . In 2005, she joined the Young Basadzi Women of Poetry collective.

Education

Busiswa completed her in 2005 at Mowat Park High School in . Following high school, she enrolled in but dropped out after two years due to financial difficulties. To support herself amid these hardships, including periods of and with friends, Busiswa took on part-time jobs such as waitressing and working at a hair salon, while also performing poetry sessions at local art centres. During this time, she conducted workshops fostering appreciation for and , honing her creative skills through community-based activities and laying the groundwork for her transition into music production.

Musical career

Career beginnings (2011–2012)

Busiswa's entry into the music industry began in 2010 in , where her performances caught the attention of house music producers Sir Bubzin and DJ Clap during sessions and events at venues like the Bat Centre. These producers introduced her to renowned DJ and producer , CEO of Kalawa Jazmee Records, after she experimented with blending and in informal recordings. This discovery marked a pivotal shift from her established , which she had pursued since 2004 through slams, festivals, and her own monthly "1st Word Sessions" in , to professional music opportunities. In , Busiswa made her debut as a and artist with the single "Syaphambana," featuring on Sir Bubzin's track, which was released on the first Kalawa Jazmee Dance compilation. heard this and requested her vocals for DJ Zinhle's "" later that year, blending Xhosa and English lyrics over an Afro beat and showcasing her distinctive vocal style. The song received airplay on South African radio stations, introducing her to a wider audience beyond poetry circles. By 2012, Busiswa signed a with Kalawa Jazmee Records, gaining access to professional studios and mentorship from and the label's network. This affiliation facilitated her transition to music, including early live performances at local clubs in and features on regional radio shows in , where she began building a dedicated fanbase through intimate gigs that fused her poetic roots with emerging house sounds. These initial appearances helped solidify her presence in the local scene before broader national exposure.

Breakthrough period (2013–2016)

In 2013, Busiswa achieved her breakthrough with the release of the single "Ngoku," featuring and Uhuru, which marked her emergence as a prominent voice in South African dance music. The track, released on March 11, quickly gained traction, climbing to high positions on local airplay charts, including the top three on stations like . Its infectious chorus and energetic production resonated widely, earning Busiswa her first major recognition when it won Most Gifted Dance at the 2014 Channel O Africa Music Video Awards. Building on this momentum, Busiswa released the follow-up single "Lahla" in 2014, featuring DJ Buckz and Uhuru, which broadened her sound by incorporating Afro-house elements alongside her signature influences. The song's vibrant rhythms and collaborative production highlighted her versatility, solidifying her presence in the evolving n house scene. This period also saw early collaborations, such as her work with Uhuru—whose lineup included —further embedding her in key production circles. By 2016, these efforts translated into increased live performances, with Busiswa embarking on tours across to promote her growing catalog and connect with fans nationwide. A pivotal moment for her national visibility came in 2015 when Busiswa served as a choirmaster on Mzansi Magic's Clash of the Choirs season 3, leading a KwaZulu-Natal team in the competitive singing format. Her role, which began with auditions in September 2015, showcased her vocal prowess and leadership, drawing widespread attention and helping to elevate her profile beyond music releases.

Major releases and global exposure (2017–2019)

In 2017, Busiswa released her debut studio album Highly Flavoured through Kalawa Jazmee Records, marking a significant milestone in her career with a collection of 13 tracks that fused elements of , , and . The album featured collaborations with prominent artists and producers such as on the lead single "Bazoyenza," Busi N and DJ Athie on "Mr Party," and Nokwazi on "Midnight Starring," showcasing Busiswa's versatile vocal style that blended poetic with danceable rhythms. Highly Flavoured received critical acclaim for its energetic production and Busiswa's commanding presence, earning her the Best Album award at the 2018 (SAMAs). Building on this success, Busiswa followed up with her second studio album Summer Life in November 2018, released via Majesty Music and comprising 10 tracks centered on upbeat, seasonal themes ideal for South African summer vibes. The project leaned into and influences, with standout collaborations including DJ Buckz and Gorna on the title track "Summer Life" and LaSoulMates on "Chesa Mpama," highlighting Busiswa's growing role in curating her sound through strategic partnerships with established producers. This album demonstrated her increased creative involvement, as she selected heavyweight contributors to complement her dynamic delivery and expand her footprint in the scene. Busiswa's international breakthrough came in 2019 with her feature on the track "My Power" from Beyoncé's curated soundtrack album The Lion King: The Gift, released in July to accompany Disney's live-action remake of The Lion King. The song, which also included contributions from Nija, Yemi Alade, Tierra Whack, Moonchild Sanelly, and DJ Lag, celebrated themes of empowerment and African heritage through a fusion of Afrobeats, hip-hop, and electronic elements, introducing Busiswa to a worldwide audience via Beyoncé's global platform. This high-profile collaboration amplified her visibility beyond South Africa, leading to broader recognition and opportunities in international markets, including performances that extended her reach across Africa.

Amapiano crossover and recent developments (2020–2025)

In 2020, Busiswa released her album My Side of the Story, which marked her pivot toward the burgeoning genre while weaving in personal narratives of empowerment, relationships, and self-reflection. The project featured collaborations with Amapiano pioneers such as and on tracks like "Suka," blending her signature vocal style with the genre's deep basslines and percussive rhythms to capture South Africa's evolving landscape. This shift positioned her as a key figure in Amapiano's mainstream ascent, allowing her to explore themes of resilience amid personal challenges. Building on this momentum, Busiswa continued her Amapiano explorations through the early 2020s, including the 2021 single "Coming" with , which fused influences with Amapiano undertones. Her work during this period emphasized genre fluidity, as seen in the 2020 track "Dash iKhona" from My Side of the Story alongside , , Vyno Miller, and Mas Musiq, further solidifying her role in collaborative Amapiano productions. In 2025, Busiswa unveiled the single "Grace" on March 28 as the lead track from her upcoming EP Honey & Grace, released via Paradise Sound System on May 23, blending foundations with electronic and Afro House elements for a genre-bending sound. Produced by BERNT and let me you, the EP reflects her artistic evolution, incorporating introspective lyrics over soulful grooves recorded between and . Later that year, German duo Âme delivered a of "Flight Mode"—a track from the EP featuring Busiswa, BERNT, and let me you—released on October 24, infusing it with deeper house textures to bridge South African and European electronic scenes. Busiswa's recent activities highlighted her cultural impact, including a standout performance at the 17th Feather Awards on November 7, 2025, where she also received the Fag Hag of the Year award for her allyship in the LGBTQ+ community. In an April 2025 interview, she discussed navigating grief through dance music's healing power, emphasizing how her lyrics aim to uplift listeners while reflecting on her past collaboration with Beyoncé on "My Power." These developments underscore Busiswa's ongoing influence in fusing Amapiano with global sounds, maintaining her status as a versatile force in South African music.

Life and ventures

Personal life

Busiswa Gqulu welcomed her first child, a son named Lakhanya Gqulu, on January 8, 2018. The birth marked a significant turning point in her life, as she has described motherhood as a profound source of inspiration and her son's biggest fan, often sharing glimpses of their bond on . In interviews, she has highlighted how raising her son has reshaped her priorities, fostering a deeper appreciation for legacy-building over fleeting success in the music industry. Balancing her demanding career with parenting has presented notable challenges for Busiswa, particularly the physical and emotional demands of constant availability in both spheres. "In music, you're required to be constantly present physically and emotionally, but motherhood demands the same—it's a constant juggle," she explained in a 2025 discussion on . She has also addressed the unique pressures faced by mothers in the male-dominated world, noting that and childcare responsibilities disproportionately affect women, unlike their male counterparts who can prioritize professional pursuits without similar interruptions. Despite these hurdles, Busiswa views motherhood as an elevating force that has strengthened her resilience and focus, enabling her to pursue dreams with renewed purpose. Busiswa maintains a private stance on her romantic relationships, emphasizing personal independence amid public scrutiny. Her son's father is DJ Kaygee the Vibe (Katlego Mlangeni), with whom she shares co-parenting responsibilities; however, their arrangement has been strained since a 2019 incident in which Kaygee faced assault charges after allegedly attacking Busiswa and a friend amid infidelity allegations, leading to a maintenance court dispute in 2025 over child support obligations. She draws significant emotional support from her close family and friends, crediting this inner circle for helping her navigate vulnerabilities and maintain balance in her personal life. In 2021, Busiswa offered deeper insights into her personal evolution through the BET Africa reality series Her Majesty: Busiswa, a self-created project that premiered on March 20. The show chronicled her journey of self-discovery, exposing raw moments of vulnerability, triumphs, and unapologetic authenticity beyond her public persona as a performer.

Other ventures

Busiswa has engaged in through her partnership with the Art for Humanity organization, where she leverages and to facilitate programs in South African townships. These initiatives include creative workshops that promote artistic expression among underprivileged young people, building on her earlier involvement in educational events like the Celebrate Durban festival, where she led sessions focused on and community themes. In the realm of , Busiswa has contributed to mentoring programs with the Umlazi District Department of 's Youth Development Office, concentrating on incorporating into school activities to enhance students' , debating, and skills. Her efforts aim to foster creative development and confidence among learners in underserved communities. Busiswa has expanded into media beyond her , serving as a on various music talent shows to nurture emerging artists. These roles allow her to blend her poetic background with guidance for young talents in the entertainment industry. By 2025, Busiswa has undertaken brand endorsements and collaborations with fashion and lifestyle brands like Urban Zulu and Ruby Love Hair, highlighting African heritage through culturally inspired styling and public campaigns that celebrate traditional elements in modern contexts.

Accolades

South African Music Awards

Busiswa has been recognized multiple times at the (SAMAs) for her innovative contributions to genres such as and . As of 2025, she has secured 1 win out of 3 nominations across various categories. In 2018, Busiswa won the Best Kwaito Album award for her debut studio album Highly Flavoured at the 24th SAMAs. At the same ceremony, she received a for Best Female Artist. In 2019, at the 25th SAMAs, Busiswa received nominations for Best Dance Album for Summer Life and Best Female Artist.
YearCategoryWorkOutcome
2018Best Kwaito AlbumHighly FlavouredWon
2019Best Female ArtistN/ANominated
2019Best Dance AlbumSummer LifeNominated

International and other awards

Busiswa's contributions to African dance music have earned her recognition beyond , including nominations and wins at pan-African awards ceremonies that celebrate continental talent. These honors highlight her role in elevating and sounds to a broader audience. In 2019, she received a nomination for Best Female Artist in Southern Africa at the All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA), competing alongside artists like and Mampi in a category recognizing standout female performers from the region. The following year, Busiswa was again nominated at AFRIMA, this time in the Best Female Southern Africa category, underscoring her consistent impact in the genre. She also earned a nomination for Best Female at the 2021 , where she was shortlisted with peers including Simi, Sheebah, and , reflecting her growing profile in video-driven and performance-based accolades. She won the Best Female MVP award in 2019 at the Soundcity MVP Awards Festival in , for her dynamic contributions to African music, sharing the spotlight with winners like and . Earlier, in 2014, Busiswa claimed the Most Gifted Dance award at the Channel O Music Video Awards for her track "Ngoku," a pan-African event that spotlighted innovative visuals and performances across the continent. Among other honors, Busiswa won the Fag Hag of the Year award at the 2025 Feather Awards, a ceremony celebrating LGBTQ+ allies and cultural icons in , where she closed the event with a high-energy . Overall, these accolades represent 2 wins out of 7 international nominations, emphasizing her niche yet influential presence on the global African music stage.

Discography

Studio albums

Busiswa's debut studio album, Highly Flavoured, was released on December 8, 2017, through Kalawa Jazmee Records. The project features 13 tracks blending , , and elements with poetic lyrics centered on empowerment and self-expression, including standout collaborations like "Bazoyenza" with . Its fusion of , rap, and danceable beats marked Busiswa's emergence as a versatile voice in South African electronic music. Her follow-up, Summer Life, arrived on November 9, 2018, under . Comprising 10 tracks, the album captures upbeat summer vibes through gqom-infused rhythms and pop sensibilities, with features from artists such as Gorna, DJ Buckz, and LaSoulMates on songs like the title track and "Chesa Mpama." It emphasizes celebratory, body-moving energy suited for festive atmospheres. In 2020, Busiswa released My Side of the Story on November 20 via Majesty Music Entertainment. The 12-track effort incorporates narrative-driven storytelling with emerging influences, exploring themes of empowerment, gender-based violence, and personal agency through Afrohouse arrangements. Tracks like featuring Dunnie and "Lucky Star" with highlight her introspective lyricism alongside high-energy collaborations.

Singles and EPs

Busiswa's singles and EPs represent pivotal moments in her career, often serving as lead promotions for her albums or standalone releases that highlight her commanding vocal style and fusion of , , and sounds. These works have solidified her status as a trailblazer in South African dance music, with collaborations that amplify her reach across genres. Her debut notable single, (2011), was a collaboration with that introduced Busiswa's dynamic presence to the scene, produced under Kalawa Jazmee Records. In 2013, "Ngoku," featuring and Uhuru, emerged as a high-energy track blending and elements, marking an early commercial breakthrough for Busiswa. The 2014 single "Lahla," produced by DJ Buckz and Uhuru, further showcased her rhythmic delivery and became a club staple with its infectious groove. "Sbwl" (2020), featuring , captured Busiswa's shift toward influences as a vibrant track emphasizing emotional and upbeat production. "Flight Mode" (2025), co-produced with BERNT and let me you, explored introspective themes within an electronic framework, later gaining international attention through a by German duo Âme in October 2025, which infused textures for global . More recently, "Grace" (2025), featuring BERNT and let me you, served as the lead single from her EP, delivering soulful vocals over melodic afro-house beats and signaling her continued evolution. In terms of EPs, Busiswa announced Honey & Grace in early 2025, with its release on May 23, 2025, via Paradise Sound System; the project comprises seven tracks blending , afro-, and introspective songwriting, led by the single "Grace" dropped on March 28, 2025. This genre-bending work merges , , , and R&B, serving as a love letter to culture with instinctive, cross-continental production recorded between and . Features on cuts like "grace" with BERNT and "we need each other" underscore its vibrant, unifying spirit. Notable among her non- releases is the Âme remix of "Flight Mode," released as a single in October 2025, which bridges South African rhythms with European electronic production for a appeal.

References

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  8. https://briefly.co.za/34686-busiswa-biography-age-child-baby-daddy-songs-albums.html
  9. https://zalebs.com/celebrities/Busiswa%20Gqulu/
  10. https://afropunk.com/festival/joburg/line-up/busiswa/
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  12. https://www.news24.com/citypress/trending/busiswa-speaks-her-truth-in-new-documentary-20191124
  13. https://news365.co.za/busiswa-dropped/
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  16. https://www.bona.co.za/celebrity/catching-up-with-busiswa/
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  37. https://rateyourmusic.com/release/album/busiswa/my-side-of-the-story/
  38. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ivVx_m3hU6E
  39. https://music.apple.com/us/album/grace-single/1802607952
  40. https://ghanamusic.com/african-music/2025/03/28/busiswa-unveils-grace-the-first-single-from-her-upcoming-ep-honey-grace-out-via-paradise-sound-system/
  41. https://www.traxsource.com/title/2475215/honey-and-grace
  42. https://www.dstv.com/channelo/en-za/news/ame-reimagine-busiswa-s-flight-mode
  43. https://iol.co.za/entertainment/celebrity-news/2025-11-07-2025-feather-awards-luyanda-zuma-busiswa-and-lilian-dube-among-the-nights-biggest-winners/
  44. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W00sVJhnHB0
  45. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gIz4jTsZlek
  46. https://batswadi.co.za/get-into-the-beautiful-bond-between-busiswa-and-her-6-year-old-son/
  47. https://www.snl24.com/dailysun/celebs/singer-songwriter-and-poet-busiswa-shares-how-motherhood-transformed-her-music-career-and-personal-priorities-20250511
  48. https://www.timeslive.co.za/tshisa-live/tshisa-live/2023-09-02-busiswa-speaks-on-her-musical-hiatus-and-how-motherhood-changed-her/
  49. https://www.news24.com/citypress/news/busiswa-reels-from-violent-attack-baby-daddy-faces-assault-charge-20190908
  50. https://surgezirc.co.za/entertainment/busiswa-takes-baby-daddy-kayge-court/
  51. https://scrolla.africa/busiswa-to-star-on-the-new-bet-reality-tv-show/
  52. https://sintimmedia.com/3music-tv-releases-list-for-top-50-most-influential-women-in-music-africa/
  53. http://wwwafh.blogspot.com/2008/10/annual-celebrate-durban-festival-was.html
  54. https://zalebs.com/celebrities/busiswa-gqulu
  55. https://www.instagram.com/p/DO-vgbLjPiG/?hl=en
  56. https://gq.co.za/culture/entertainment/2018-06-03-all-the-winners-from-sama-awards-2018/
  57. https://www.bizcommunity.com/Article/196/480/177839.html
  58. https://iol.co.za/entertainment/music/international/2018-06-04-sama24-balance-me-please-how-did-busiswa-win-best-kwaito-album/
  59. https://www.snl24.com/dailysun/news/entertainment/sama24-announced-male-of-the-year-nominees-20180504
  60. https://www.sowetan.co.za/entertainment/2018-06-01-all-you-need-to-know-about---24th-sama-awards/
  61. https://www.musicinafrica.net/magazine/samas-2019-all-nominees
  62. https://www.okayafrica.com/here-are-the-2019-afrimma-nominees/274494
  63. https://www.musicinafrica.net/magazine/mtv-africa-music-awards-2021-all-nominees
  64. https://www.musicinafrica.net/magazine/african-muzik-magazine-awards-2020-all-nominees
  65. https://www.okayafrica.com/burna-boy-busiswa-teni-mr-eazi-and-more-win-big-at-soundcity-mvp-awards/149631
  66. https://allafrica.com/stories/201412030251.html
  67. https://open.spotify.com/album/04Nd8kv05tNBK0RNNNb9Xk
  68. https://open.spotify.com/album/0ebDaZVAnbiJrreu9bGay8
  69. https://genius.com/albums/Busiswa/My-side-of-the-story
  70. https://open.spotify.com/album/463tygnGpxLPDT9NZqEXRu
  71. https://music.apple.com/us/album/my-name-is-feat-busiswa-gqulu-radio-edit-single/1675372471
  72. https://open.spotify.com/track/1VVFYaSCbW9ZkbTn6naNW8
  73. https://music.apple.com/us/album/sbwl-feat-kamo-mphela-single/1528230983
  74. https://open.spotify.com/album/71vHJf5gWBtuQd1zWBT7Ml
  75. https://www.traxsource.com/title/2634683/flight-mode-ame-remix
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