Busi Mhlongo: Voice of Spirituality, Healing and Resistance

Most of the global icons who hailed from the continent of Africa had humble beginnings before becoming some of the most revered musicians in the world of music. Our protagonist of this article, Busi Mhlongo, follows the suit. From the rural village of Ndwedwe, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, Mhlongo was a musical powerhouse whose work and charisma surpassed and overshadowed the fame and artistry of her contemporaries.

Overthrowing the very notion of genres, cultures, and borders, her music is an eclectic and characteristic blend of traditional and Western styles of making music. A tangible and meaningful spirituality and sharp social consciousness that listeners sense in her music could not have been the work of just a singer. It is obvious that she was a storyteller, a healer, and a voice for the marginalized.

Busisiwe Victoria Mhlongo affectionately and respectfully known as ‘Mam’Busi,’ began her journey into music in early childhood, busking in her Zulu heritage's cultural and spiritual traditions. Growing up in a rural village, she had the chance of being exposed to the rich oral traditions of her people which included not only music but also other forms of art like storytelling, traditional dances, and spiritual rituals.

Her talent was evident from a very young age, and she began singing in church choirs and concert groups while still at school. Like many black South Africans during the apartheid era, however, Mhlongo faced systemic oppression and limited opportunities.

In the 1970s, Mhlongo moved to Johannesburg to pursue her musical career. It was the cultural hub of South Africa, more like a breeding ground for music and musicians. Mhlongo's experimentation began in this city. She had drawn from a wide palette of musical genres from various South African musical styles, especially traditional Zulu, and fused with contemporary elements from funk, rock, gospel, rap, opera, reggae, and West African music.

Mhlongo rose to prominence during a period of intense political and social turmoil in South Africa when the movements against apartheid were gaining momentum, and day by day music was taking a crucial role in inspiring the masses. Her powerful lyrics and melodies resonated with the struggle against apartheid in no time.

For instance, her breakthrough album, "Urban Zulu" (1998), was a landmark in her career and South African music. This album metamorphosed, deepened, and finally turned into a representation of the Zulu Nation’s truest form of expression. Notice the album’s title itself, it can be interpreted as a bold assertion of African identity in a society that was systematically devalued by colonialism and apartheid.

As you have guessed already, Zulu music has the greatest influence on Mhlongo and her music. So, we should take a look at what Zulu music is. It is obvious from the name that Zulu music is an expression of the cultural identity and spirituality of the Zulu people of South Africa. What is interesting is that It works as a bridge between the physical and spiritual worlds, which is an important and central philosophy behind their sound.

Among many styles, Maskanda is a style of Zulu folk music that originated in South Africa. The songs are about real-life experiences and it's often called the "Zulu Blues." This style is often unfairly accredited to Zulu male musicians, and women’s contributions to Maskanda were losing their footing as the style evolved. Mhlongo picked up Maskanda where her predecessors left it and brought justice for them by proving the power of this genre through her success.

One of the defining features of Busi Mhlongo’s music has to be the depth of spirituality. She often noted her music as a form of healing, both for herself and for her listeners. She was an initiated sangoma and it heavily influenced her music. A sangoma is a practitioner of Ngoma, a philosophy based on a belief in ancestral spirits and the practice of traditional African medicine.

The spiritual dimensionality of her compositions is palpable from her 2004 work "Indiza." The central theme revolves around family, tradition, and reconciliation in a rural setup of South Africa. The title "Indiza" means "airplane" in Zulu, symbolizing the journey between urban and rural life.

In Johannesburg, she recorded a cover of an international hit track "My Boy Lollipop" for the Gallo label which was a pan-African success. Her incredible vocal range allowed her to go from a soft note to a booming roar. As her music gained recognition and fame, it was also morphing into a symbol of the struggle for justice in South Africa. Her fearless activism against apartheid through her music was noticed soon by the government. As a consequence, Mhlongo was exiled from her country. Therefore, she had to move to multiple countries such as the Netherlands, North America, and the UK.

Mhlongo’s music was her own space where she deconstructed the social stigmas and taboos. Her songs often feature the struggles of women, the poor, and those affected by HIV/AIDS, a crisis that has had a devastating impact on South Africa. In a society where such issues were often ignored, her music provided a haven where these sensitive issues were flashed out without any hesitation or pretense.

Mhlongo’s creations and her staunch commitment to her principles, culture, and people are essentially the catalysts that have accelerated and solidified her position in the pantheon of prominent figures in South African music as well as beyond the border of the country itself. Throughout her life, maybe unknowingly but surely she has established a platform for artists who are courageous enough to manifest their inner voice and their rebellious self. She has been a role model for African female musicians for generations after generations.

In a world where commercial success over artistic integrity is often prioritized, Busi Mhlongo’s career signifies the cognitive and spiritual awakening of a true artist. She was not just a musician; she was a healer, a revolutionary without a shred of doubt.  For her excellent contribution to music and putting South Africa on the international music map, Mhlongo has been recognized and lauded by critics and fans alike, and rightfully so. As a generational talent, Mhlongo and the music she had left behind is now an undeterrable tsunami that will continue to sweep away all that is rotten in our brain or at the core of our modern society.