Busi Mhlongo, the "Queen of Modern Zulu Music," was an iconic South African singer who modernized the indigenous Zulu music of her homeland. Born as Victoria Busisiwe Mhlongo in 1947 in Inanda, KwaZulu-Natal, she rose to international prominence by blending traditional Zulu rhythms and chants with contemporary music genres like jazz, funk, and gospel - a style commonly referred to as urban Zulu music. With her soulful voice and undeniable stage presence, Mhlongo's music not only entertained but also articulated the socio-political struggles and cultural experiences of South African people during and after the apartheid era.

Mhlongo's career was marked by a series of groundbreaking albums, among them the critically acclaimed "Urbanzulu" released in 1998. This album featured songs that showcased her ability to infuse traditional music with modern sensibilities, earning her a global following. While battling breast cancer, she continued to perform and record, leaving listeners with a rich discography that continued to evolve even after her passing in 2010. Posthumous releases like "2024 Remixes Sequence One," "Live @ Awesome Africa Durban 2001," and retrospectives such as "Indiza - Voyages Through New Sounds," not only reinforced the breadth of her influence but also introduced her visionary take on Zulu music to new generations. Innovative remixes by various artists and the live recordings such as "Yehlisan'umoya Ma Africa (Live)" kept her spirit alive, ensuring her voice and legacy would resonate for years to come.

Genres

Afro Soul

Kwaito

South African Jazz

South African Pop

Related Artists

Miriam Makeba

Simphiwe Dana

Moonchild Sanelly

Angelique Kidjo

Zahara

Samthing Soweto

Miraa May

Hugh Masekela

Sibongile Khumalo

Lady Zamar

Johnny Clegg

Dobet Gnahoré

Latest Release

Yehlisan’Umoya Ma Africa - Future Plan Remix

Busi Mhlongo

Single - Released October 28, 2024