African Urban Zulu songstress dies.

World On Press


Ian Jindela



Busi Mhlongo on Wednesday 15 June succumbed to her brave battle with cancer. South Africa woke up with the sad news of passing on of the great Diva and songstress Busi Mhlongo. Busi had been diagnosed with cancer and was undergoing treatment when died on 15 June 2010. She died at King Shaka Hospital in KwaZulu Natal. In just few days after the death of Nelson Mandela’s 13 year old great granddaughter Zenani Mandela who was in a car accident with Winnie Madikizela Mandela on their way to the FIFA Kick of Concert held in Soweto on the 10 of June.

Busi Mhlongo an icon and a mother to young musicians will be remembered for her endless love of music and powerful voice. Busi Mhlongo, born in October 28, 1947 died June 15 2010, born as Victoria Busisiwe Mhlongo, was originally from Inanda in Natal, South Africa; Busi Mhlongo was a virtuoso singer, dancer and composer whose music defies categorization. Her music seen on her face and dance moves captured all. Drawing on various South African styles such as mbaqanga, maskanda, marabi and traditional Zulu, fused with contemporary elements from jazz, funk, rock, gospel, rap, opera, reggae and West African music she produces a fresh and exciting sound. Her infectious music and singing style have a universal appeal and her lyrics carry powerful and poignant messages. In the 1960s, she adopted the artistic name Vickie, only later she became known by Busi Mhlongo.

The first South African music Benefit concert was held by South African Broadcasting Corporation to celebrate Busi's birthday and raise fund for her hospital bills, President Thabo Mbeki was one of the Honorable guests. On The 21st May 2010 Ngwenyama Holdings a company owned by Swazi Prince Makhosini Dlamini announced A Tribute Concert to Busi Mhlongo at the South African Playhouse on May 30th.
Musicians pour out their condolences, Camagwini the Nubian Afro singer recalls Busi Mhlongo as a warrior and a great singer, she has learnt a lot from her music. Camagwini was amongst artists who were invited by Busi Mhlongo last month to pay tribute in a song though Busi Mhlongo could not make it to the organised tribute concert, her spirit lives on.

The President of the Republic of South Africa Jacob Zuma sends his condolences and described Busi as a veteran for struggle. “Her love for music kept the flames of hope alive during our country’s struggle for democracy. Her music encouraged and influenced a range of contemporary South African artists. She inspired the nation and let the world know of South Africa’s quest for freedom. She ensured her compositions defied categorisation and emphasised the universality of the human race “Added Jacob Zuma.
She will be remembered with her hit songs such as Babom’ncane, Ntingi Ntingi,Hamba Phepha lam,Intoni na and many. Her spirit lives on through the sound of the voice that she has left us.