Busiswa

Busiswa Gqulu was born on 8 November 1988 in Mthatha, Eastern Cape.{{cite web|url=https://www.pressreader.com/south-africa/move/20170301/282733406634418|via=PressReader|title=Press Reader|access-date=30 November 2018}} When she was young, her family relocated to Durban due to work by her parents 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.{{cite web|url=https://www.pambazuka.org/arts/south-africa-14th-poetry-africa-international-poetry-festival|title=South Africa: 14th Poetry Africa International Poetry Festival – Pambazuka News|website=Pambazuka.org|date=4 March 2016}} She performed her first poetry work at her grandmother's funeral.{{cite web|url=http://www.dispatchlive.co.za/news/2016/01/23/choir-out-to-make-the-province-proud/|title=Choir out to make the province proud|website=Dispatchlive.co.za}} In 2005, she joined the collective Young Basadzi Women of Poetry.{{cite web|url=http://www.chronicle.co.zw/madau-snub-busiswa-responds/|title=Madau snub: Busiswa responds – The Chronicle|website=Chronicle.co.zw|date=10 August 2017 }}{{cite web|url=https://www.nation.co.ke/lifestyle/buzz/ONEXTRA-Chikita-Busiswa-Gqulu/441236-3954130-c5fuhmz/index.html|title=ONEXTRA: Chikita Busiswa Gqulu|website=Daily Nation|access-date=29 June 2018}} Since then, she performed her poetry at corporate events, poem sessions,{{cite web|url=http://www.poetrypotion.com/tag/busiswa-gqulu/|title=Busiswa Gqulu Archives|website=Poetry Potion|access-date=30 November 2018}} talent shows,{{cite web|url=https://www.zkhiphani.co.za/spotted-mpumalanga-comes-alive-festival/|title=Spotted: Mpumalanga comes alive festival|website=Zkhiphani.co.za|date=22 September 2014}} and festivals. She also hosted her monthly poetry events which are called "1st Word Sessions" at the Bat Centre in Durban.{{cite web|url=http://www.literarytourism.co.za/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=595:tumelo-khoza&catid=13:authors&Itemid=28|website=literarytourism.co.za|title=Tumelo Khoza|access-date=30 November 2018}}

After high school,{{cite web|url=https://sandton24.com/inside-busiswa-gqulus-baby-shower/|title=Inside Busiswa Gqulu's baby shower – Sandton24 Digital|date=28 November 2017|website=Sandton24.com|access-date=26 May 2018|archive-date=29 June 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180629211442/https://sandton24.com/inside-busiswa-gqulus-baby-shower/|url-status=dead}} Gqulu performed her poems while trying to find a proper job.{{cite web|url=https://bgmpmedia.co.za/category/music/|title=Music – BGMP Media Group|website=bgmpmedia.co.za|access-date=29 June 2018}} She was then employed at an art centre to teach school children arts.{{cite web|url=http://livemag.co.za/live-regulars/5-gqom-artists-you-need-to-know/|title=5 Gqom artists you need to know – Live Mag|date=10 October 2017|website=Livemag.co.za}} Gqulu's parents supported her career choice as they had no money to take her to university.{{cite web|url=https://www.timeslive.co.za/tshisa-live/tshisa-live/2018-04-25-watch--busiswa-was-once-told-she-could-never-be-a-cover-girl/|title=WATCH – Busiswa was once told she could never be a 'cover girl'|website=Sunday Times (Johannesburg)}}{{cite web|url=https://mzansimagic.dstv.com/show/our-perfect-wedding/busiswa/character|title=Busiswa|website=Mzansi Magic Official Website – Busiswa}}

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.

While performing at live poetry readings, she met a befriend who introduced her to Sir Bubzin.{{cite web|url=http://www.etv.co.za/news/2014/10/30/who-uhuru|title=Who is Uhuru? – e.tv|website=Etv.co.za}} Sir Bubzin invited her while producing the song "Syaphambana". He then suggested to feature her in performing her poems on the track. Gqulu and Sir Bubzin were later signed to Kalawa Record by the CEO, Oskido, after he heard the song.{{cite web|url=http://www.sabreakingnews.co.za/2017/11/09/busiswa-celebrates-birthday-with-good-news/|title=Busiswa celebrates birthday with good news – SA Breaking News|date=9 November 2017|website=Sabreakingnews.co.za|access-date=26 May 2018|archive-date=29 June 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180629235931/https://www.sabreakingnews.co.za/2017/11/09/busiswa-celebrates-birthday-with-good-news/|url-status=dead}} The song was later released on the first Kalawa Jazmee Dance compilation in 2011.{{cite web|url=http://vuzunews.com/kalawa-chikita-busiswa-reveals-shes-pregnant-photos/|title=Kalawa Chikita Busiswa Reveals She's Pregnant (Photos)|date=9 November 2017|website=Vuzunews.com|access-date=26 May 2018|archive-date=30 August 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220830134340/http://www.vuzunews.com/kalawa-chikita-busiswa-reveals-shes-pregnant-photos/|url-status=dead}} Later that year, Gqulu was called by Oskido to record "My Name Is Busiswa" which was produced by DJ Zintle.{{cite web|url=https://www.coke.co.za/cokestudio/profile/profile_busiswa/|title=Coke Studio Season 3 -Busiswa|website=Coke.co.za}}

The collaboration resulted in a co-writing credit for Gqulu.{{cite web|url=https://www.channel24.co.za/The-Juice/News/dj-zinhle-on-coming-back-to-music-20170829|title=DJ Zinhle on coming back to music|website=Chaneel24.co.za}} After recording the song in 2011, she moved to Johannesburg in signing with Kalawa Jazmee Records.

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.{{cite web|url=https://www.modernghana.com/movie/21062/3/full-list-of-winners-at-the-2012-channel-o-music-v.html|website=modernghana.com|title=Full list of winners at the 2012 Channel O Music Video Awards|access-date=30 November 2018}}

"Ngoku" was released on 11 March 2013 as a non-album single on iTunes. The song was accompanied by a video released on YouTube.{{cite web|url=https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=0bMKd-19eB4|title=Busiswa "Ngoku" ft Oskido & Uhuru|date=4 September 2013|via=YouTube}} "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.{{cite web|url=https://www.newsday.co.zw/2014/11/channel-o-africa-music-video-awards-performers-announced/|title=Channel O Africa Music Video Awards performers announced – NewsDay Zimbabwe|website=Newsday.co.zw}}

In November 2013, Gqulu released a single, "Lahla"{{cite web|url=https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=bd46jAe1ukU|title=Busiswa feat DJ Buckz, Uhuru 'Lahla' Official Music Video|date=12 November 2014|via=YouTube}} featuring Dj Bucks and Uhuru. The song's video accumulated 1 million+ views on YouTube. Gqulu along with Dj Bucks, performed the song live on SABC1 music show Live Amp.{{cite web|url=http://www.sabc1.co.za/sabc/home/sabc1/shows/details?id=4ed9c017-fe7a-4c51-a172-e11d0d73765b|title=DETAILS|website=SABC1|access-date=30 November 2018|archive-date=29 June 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180629211633/http://www.sabc1.co.za/sabc/home/sabc1/shows/details?id=4ed9c017-fe7a-4c51-a172-e11d0d73765b|url-status=dead}} She also performed the song at the 2015 Metro FM Awards.{{cite web|url=https://icc.co.za/14th-metro-fm-music-awards-rock-durban/|title=14th Metro FM Music Awards rock Durban – Durban ICC – Events and Entertainment Venue|website=Icc.co.za|date=31 March 2015}}{{Cite web |url=https://www.pressreader.com/south-africa/the-mercury/20150625/281857232183191 |title=PressReader - the Mercury: 2015-06-25 - is Busiswa Africa's finest? |access-date=26 May 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180527201509/https://www.pressreader.com/south-africa/the-mercury/20150625/281857232183191 |archive-date=27 May 2018 |url-status=dead }}

In September 2016, Gqulu joined the fourth season of Clash of the Choirs, as a Choirmaster with Kelly Khumalo,{{cite web|url=https://reviewonline.co.za/events/event/do-you-have-what-it-takes-to-enter-clash-of-the-choirs/|title=Do you have what it takes to enter Clash of the Choirs? – Events – Review|website=Reviewonline.co.za|access-date=26 May 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180527024716/https://reviewonline.co.za/events/event/do-you-have-what-it-takes-to-enter-clash-of-the-choirs/|archive-date=27 May 2018|url-status=dead}} Anele Mdoda,{{cite web|url=https://www.iol.co.za|title=IOL – News that Connects South Africans|website=Independent Online|location=South Africa}} JR, Bucie,{{cite web|url=http://www.channel24.co.za|title=Channel24.co.za – Entertainment now|website=Channel}} Sifiso Ncwane and IFANI. She was the choirmaster of the KwaZulu-Natal.{{cite web|url=https://albertonrecord.co.za/38083/team-robbie-kzn-wins-mzansi-magics-clash-choirs-sa-season-2-2/|title=Team Robbie, KZN wins Mzansi Magic's Clash of the Choirs SA Season 2 – Alberton Record|date=7 July 2014|website=Albertonrecord.co.za}} Her team was eliminated after a battle with team Western Cape led by IFANI.{{cite web|url=https://mzansimagic.dstv.com/news/clash-of-the-choirs-welcomes-new-presenter|title=Clash of the Choirs welcomes new presenter!|website=Mzansi Magic Official Website – Clash of the Choirs welcomes new presenter!}}

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".{{cite web|url=https://www.zkhiphani.co.za/new-album-alert-busiswa-drops-highly-flavoured/|title=NEW ALBUM ALERT: Busiswa Drops Highly Flavoured|website=Zkhiphani.co.za|date=8 December 2017}}{{cite web|url=http://www.justza.com/tipcee-give-feat-g-eazy-listen/|title=Tipcee 'iScathulo' (feat. Busiswa, DJ Tira & Distruction Boyz) – Stream & Download MP3! – JustZA|date=8 September 2017|website=Justza.com|access-date=26 May 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180527022858/http://www.justza.com/tipcee-give-feat-g-eazy-listen/|archive-date=27 May 2018|url-status=dead}}

"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.{{cite web|url=http://www.mytvnews.co.za/sama-awards-nominees-2018-record-of-the-year-announced/|title=SAMA Awards Nominees 2018 – Record of the Year Announced! – My TV News|date=21 April 2018|website=Mytvnews.co.za}}

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.{{cite web|url=http://www.okayafrica.com/busiswa-summer-life-album/|website=okayafrica.com|title=Listen to Busiswa's New Album 'Summer Life' Featuring RudeBoyz, Dladla Mshunqisi, Uhuru And More|date=12 November 2018 |access-date=30 November 2018}}{{cite web|url=https://www.dailysun.co.za/News/Entertainment/busiswa-to-release-an-independent-album-20181108|title=Busiswa to Release an Independent Album|website=Daily Sun|access-date=30 November 2018}} On 31 August, Prince Kaybee released "Banomoya" featuring Busiswa and TNS.{{Cite web|url=https://www.zkhiphani.co.za/prince-kaybee-reveals-new-single-banomoya-ft-busiswa-tns/|title=Prince Kaybee Reveals New Single, Banomoya, Ft. Busiswa & TNS|date=16 August 2018}}

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.{{Cite web|url=https://www.timeslive.co.za/tshisa-live/tshisa-live/2019-04-26-full-list-sama-nominees-leave-mzansi-split-over-the-death-of-kwaito/|title=FULL LIST | Sama nominees leave Mzansi split over the 'death of Kwaito'|website=TimesLIVE}} Also in 2019, Busiswa featured on Beyoncé's The Lion King: The Gift album, on the track "My Power".{{cite web|url=https://beyonce.com/album/thegift/songs/|title=Beyoncé: THE LION KING: THE GIFT (2019)|website=Beyonce.com|access-date=April 30, 2020|archive-date=20 July 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190720054338/https://www.beyonce.com/album/thegift/songs/|url-status=dead}}

In 2020, she collaborated with South African Amapiano musician, Gaba Cannal on the single Umhlaba Wonke.{{cite web|url=https://www.okayafrica.com/gaba-cannal-busiswa-umhlaba-wonke/|title=Gaba Cannal Enlists Busiswa in New Amapiano Banger 'Umhlaba Wonke'|work=Okay Africa |date=8 January 2020 |access-date=27 November 2020}} 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{{cite web|url=https://www.okayafrica.com/busiswa-and-kamo-mphela-single-sbwl/|title=Busiswa and Kamo Mphela Summon The Summer in New Visuals for Their Single 'SBWL'|access-date=3 December 2020|work=Okay Africa|date=14 September 2020}} and "Makazi" in which she featured Mr JazziQ.{{cite web|url=https://justnje.com/busiswa-enjoys-the-good-life-in-makazi-music-video-featuring-mr-jazziq/|title=Busiswa enjoys the good life in makazi music video, featuring Mr JazziQ|work=Just Nje|date=3 February 2021 |access-date=21 April 2021}}

At the MTV Africa Music Awards, she received a nomination for Best Female act.{{cite web |title=Here Are the 2021 MTV Africa Music Awards Nominees |url=https://www.okayafrica.com/mtv-africa-music-awards-2021-nominees-announced/ |website=OkayAfrica |access-date=1 July 2021 |date=2020-12-11}}

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.{{Cite web |url=https://www.suninternational.com/carousel/events/spring-bash-with-busiswa/ |title=Celebrate Spring Bash with Busiswa at the Carousel | Hammanskraal |access-date=26 May 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180527023035/https://www.suninternational.com/carousel/events/spring-bash-with-busiswa/ |archive-date=27 May 2018 |url-status=dead }}

On 8 November 2017, she revealed that she was pregnant on her Instagram account.{{cite web|url=https://www.instagram.com/p/BbOgj7rj8Ce/ |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/iarchive/s/instagram/BbOgj7rj8Ce |archive-date=24 December 2021 |url-access=registration|title=Busiswa Gqulu on Instagram: 'Happy Birthday to us!'|website=Instagram}}{{cbignore}} On 8 January 2018, Gqulu gave birth to a son, Kgosi Lakhanya Gqulu.{{cite web|url=https://www.timeslive.co.za/tshisa-live/tshisa-live/2018-01-16-congrats-busiswas-baby-has-arrived/|title=Congrats! Busiswa's baby has arrived|website=Sunday Times (Johannesburg)}}{{cite web|url=https://www.instagram.com/p/BdxDusQheeT/ |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/iarchive/s/instagram/BdxDusQheeT |archive-date=24 December 2021 |url-access=registration|title=Busiswa Gqulu on Instagram: "As We put all our faith in you my lord @kaygee_thevibe thank you for being with me through this journey #babystarringontheway"|website=Instagram}}{{cbignore}}

In March 2021, her own-created documentary-reality show title "Her Majesty: Busiswa" premiered on BET Africa.{{citation needed|date=April 2021}}

In addition to her music and poetry, Busiswa also works for Art for Humanity (AFH{{cite web|url=https://www.kznsagallery.co.za/exhibitions/art_of_human_rights.htm|title=KZNSA – ART OF HUMAN RIGHTS|website=Kznsagallery.co.za}}) where she provides workshops for school children, as a means to help develop an appreciation for poetry and the visual arts.{{cite web|url=http://www.dispatchlive.co.za/news/2018/02/20/oskido-egos-bongo-maffin-reunion-busiswas-future-kalawa-jazmee/|title=Oskido on egos' Bongo Maffin reunion and Busiswa's future at Kalawa Jazmee|website=Dispatchlive.co.za}} Gqulu also works with the Umlazi District Department of Education's Youth Development Office, tutoring learners on public speaking, debating and performance poetry.{{cite web|url=https://m.news24.com/Drum/Archive/busiswa-gqulu-shows-off-her-bae-20170728|title=Busiswa Gqulu shows off her bae|website=M.news24.com}}

{{Infobox musician awards

| name = Busiswa

| image =

| image_size = 489x960px

| alt = Busiswa at MTV African Music Awards

| caption =

| wins = 4

| nominations = 12

| award1=South African Music Awards

| award1W = 0

| award1N = 2

| award2=Metro FM Awards

| award2W = 0

| award2N = 1

| award3=Channel O Africa Music Video

| award3W=1

| award3N=3

| award4=All Africa Music Awards

| award4W=1

| award4N=1

| award5=Mtv Africa Music Awards

| award5W=0

| award5N=1

}}

Busiswa's contribution to the South African music industry has garnered her multiple awards and nominations in several music award South African Music Awards,{{cite web|url=http://m.bizcommunity.africa/Article/410/40/99719.html|title=Channel O Africa Music Video Awards 2013 nominees announced}} Metro FM Music Awards,{{cite web|url=http://loudestgist.com/wiki/2017/05/busiswa-gqulu-biography/|title=China Lithium Ion Golf Cart Battery Manufacturer Factory - Custom 24V 36V 48V LiFePo4 Golf Cart Battery Pack}} 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.{{cite web|url=https://live.fundza.mobi/home/library/non-fiction-articles-profiles/the-mgs-200-young-south-africans-2014/arts-cultures/busiswa-gqulu/}}

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

{{Awards table}}

|-

|2012

|My Name Is

|Record of the year

|{{Nom}}

|-

|rowspan="2" |2018

|Highly Flavored

|Best Kwaito Album

|{{Win}}

|-

|Herself

|Best Female Artist

|{{Nom}}

|-

|rowspan="2"|2019

|Summer Life

|Best Dance Album

|{{Nom}}

|-

|Busiswa

|Best Female artist

|{{Nom}}

|}

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.{{cite news|url=http://www.news24.com/xArchive/Archive/SAs-first-public-voted-awards-20000907|title=SA's first public-voted awards|work=News24|date=7 September 2000|accessdate=11 June 2016}} Busiswa has received one award nominations.

{{Awards table}}

|-

|2014

|Visa

|Best Music Video

|{{Nom}}

|}

{{Awards table}}

|-

|2015

|Busiswa

|Best Female (Southern Africa)

|{{Won}}

|}

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.{{Awards table}}

|-

|rowspan="2" |2012

|rowspan="2" |My Name Is

|Most Gifted Dance category

|{{Nom}}

|-

|Music Video of the year

|{{Nom}}

|-

|2013

|Ngoku

|Most Gifted Dance category

|{{Won}}

|}

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

{{Awards table}}

|-

|2015

|Herself

|Best Female

|{{Nom}}

|}

{{Awards table}}

|-

|2019

|Herself

|Musician of the Year

|{{win}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.channel24.co.za/The-Juice/News/all-the-winners-from-the-2019-feather-awards-20191018|title=All the winners from the 2019 Feather Awards}}

|}

• Highly Flavoured (2017)
• Summer Life (2018)
• My Side of the Story (2020)

• List of awards and nominations received by Busiswa
• List of South African musicians
• List of African musicians

{{reflist}}

• {{AllMusic||mn0002961460}}

{{Authority control}}

Category:Living people

Category:21st-century South African male singers

Category:1988 births

Category:Amapiano musicians

Category:South African women rappers

Category:English-language singers from South Africa