Busi Mhlongo | |
---|---|
Birth name | Busisiwe Victoria Mhlongo |
Born |
Inanda, South Africa |
28 October 1947
Died | 15 June 2010 Durban, South Africa |
(aged 62)
Genres | Mbaqanga, soul, quiet storm, smooth jazz, soft rock |
Occupation(s) | Singer-songwriter, record producer |
Years active | 1960–2010 |
Labels | House of Memory, MELT2000, Stern Music, Sheer Sound, Chissa Records |
Associated acts |
Busi Mhlongo (28 October 1947 – 15 June 2010 ), born as Victoria Busisiwe Mhlongo, was a virtuoso singer, dancer and composer originally from Inanda in Natal, South Africa.
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 did she became known by Busi Mhlongo. She was an initiated sangoma, which heavily influenced her music.