For Busiswa, songwriting is an authentic expression of her life experiences.
Image: Supplied
Acclaimed South African artist Busiswa Gqulu has made a triumphant return with her latest single, "Grace", marking the first taste of her highly anticipated EP, "Honey & Grace", which is set to drop on May 23.
This genre-bending project promises to showcase the unique signature sound that has captivated audiences around the globe.
Produced by BERNT and let me you, “Grace” serves as a touching reintroduction to Busiswa’s distinguished voice, interwoven with warm percussive grooves and electronic textures.
Recorded in the creative nexus of Berlin and Johannesburg, the track emerges as a heartfelt meditation on resilience, vulnerability, and self-acceptance.
Busiswa’s delivery imbues the song with her unmistakable energy, urging listeners to embrace their journeys.
"'Grace' is my reminder that softness and strength can exist in the same breath," she reflects. "It’s an offering to anyone walking through transformation - with rhythm, honesty and joy."
Hailing from the vibrant streets of Mthatha in the Eastern Cape, Busiswa’s trajectory to fame is as inspiring as her music.
With roots deeply entrenched in South African musical culture, she has risen to prominence within the gqom and Afro-pop genres.
Her debut single, "Lahla", released in 2016, quickly ascended the South African charts, paving the way for a series of successful follow-ups.
The breakout single "Bazoyenza" propelled her into the limelight, facilitating collaborations with music heavyweights including DJ Zinhle, Kamo Mphela, DJ Maphorisa, Moonchild Sanelly and even global icon, Beyoncé.
Each collaboration not only cements her place as a star but it also elevates South African music on the international stage.
As she embarks on this new musical journey, Busiswa expresses a mix of excitement and nerves about sharing her artistry.
“I’m feeling really good - and also nervous - because releasing new music is always unpredictable. But I love how people are responding to ‘Grace’, having it on repeat and embracing the movement in the music.”
“That’s what it’s meant to do - make your body move somehow. I’ve never really taken a break from music in the typical way. It’s not like a 9-to-5 job with a schedule of ‘release, break, repeat.’ I release music when I feel ready.
"That’s a blessing - to have the kind of fan base that gives me the space to speak from the heart when I want to, knowing they’ll be there to receive it. That’s not something I take lightly,” she notes.
For Busiswa, songwriting is an authentic expression of her life experiences.
Image: Supplied
For Busiswa, songwriting is an authentic expression of her life experiences.
“People ask me about ‘hitting the studio again’ - but I’m always in the studio! Every time you hear one song from me, know that there are twenty or thirty others behind it."
"I don't release music like it’s a PowerPoint presentation - I release it when I feel deeply about what I’m saying."
"‘Grace’ is one of those songs. It’s from the heart. It's for everyone in their 30s who’s going through something - it’s a song of encouragement to fight back against life’s tests,” she says.
Her upcoming EP embodies the themes of abundance, acceptance, and gratitude, featuring seven tracks, including “Money Honey” and “Grace.”
“Honey and grace - those are the gifts from God, and this EP is my way of honouring them. Besides being a love letter to dance music, the EP is a deep expression of who I am."
"I love house, I love dance - I can’t stop. Going to Germany to create this project with Burnt and let me tell you (two amazing European producers) was magical. You’ll meet a different side of me,” says Busiswa.
Even after twelve years in the industry, she continues to evolve with each new sound and collaboration.
“Music has played an exceptional role in my life because I’m a wordsmith at heart. Words are my power. With each song, with every dance floor it hits, every new listener it reaches - I’m grounding my purpose, finding new ways to express why I’m here.”
Beyond her celebrated music career, Busiswa is also a proud mother and entrepreneur, having opened her dance studio, Majesty Moves, in Sunninghill, Gauteng.
This initiative not only enhances her career but also fosters a community for dance enthusiasts.
“It’s where we rehearse and honestly, where I spend most of my time. I love being in my body, moving, celebrating it - yes, I’ve lost weight, and yes, people keep commenting on it, but the truth is: I’m just enjoying myself."
"I want to stay ready so I don’t have to get ready. That’s the energy I’m carrying into my EP - purpose, presence, movement, and love.”
A fervent advocate for representation and female empowerment, Busiswa utilises her platform to inspire and encourage younger generations.
She passionately promotes the notion that women should pursue their passions unapologetically, aiming to break barriers and pave the way for future female artists within the industry.
Her influence as an artist is underscored by a collection of accolades, including multiple nominations and wins at the South African Music Awards (Samas).
Moreover, she is committed to being a social activist, advocating for causes such as education for underprivileged children and combatting gender-based violence, determined to uplift her community and provide a voice for the voiceless.
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