Busi Mhlongo , born as Victoria Busisiwe Mhlongo, was originally from Inanda in Natal, South Africa, Busi Mhlongo was a virtuoso singer, dancer and composer[1] whose music defies categorization. (October 28, 1947 – June 15, 2010)
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 produced 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.
Mhlongo has worked with other top African folk / pop artists, like Hugh Masekela, Dr. Philip Tabane, Mabe Thobejane, and many legends - Robert "Doc" Mthalane making meticulously produced, melodic and modern South African music.
Her work also spaned more urban styles, with several tracks on URBANZULU being remixed for the dancefloor.
In 2000, Busi scooped three awards at the FNB South African Music Awards for best female artist, best adult contemporary album (Africa), and best African pop album. Busi has since also scored a KORA award and MELT has released a compilation called INDIZA with two new tracks produced by Brice Wassy and a series of remixes by Club 3.30.
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 Honourable guests. On May 21, 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 30. Her album UrbanZulu, was the very first time that Maskanda has been expressed by a Zulu woman commercially to an international audience.[2]
Busi had been diagnosed with cancer and was undergoing treatment when she died on June 15, 2010.
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