Personal Life 

Born on 8 November 1988 in Mthatha, Eastern Cape, Busiswa Gqulu, fondly referred to as Busiswa or Busi, is 34 years old.

Her family moved to Durban when she was young. In 2004, when she was in Grade 11, aged 15, she began writing poems and developed an interest in writing.

Busiswa spent her early years under the care of her late mother and grandmother. They were a major influence on the person she is today.

Her first chance to share her poetry came at her grandmother’s funeral. Busiswa then became a part of the collective Young Basadzi Women of Poetry.

She then went on to perform her poetry at numerous corporate events, poem sessions, talent shows, and festivals. Apart from these shows and events, she also hosted her monthly poetry events called the “1st Word Sessions” at the Bat Centre in Durban.

Once Gqulu finished high school, she worked as an art teacher at an art centre while performing her poems. Her parents supported her career choice since they didn’t have the money to put her through university.

Busiswa Gqulu’s Career

Busiswa was discovered by Kalawa Jazmee’s CEO Oskido and later had a fruitful collaboration with DJ Zinhle. This vocally blessed singer and poet caught the public’s attention for her feature on DJ Zinhle’s song, ‘My Name Is…’.

She went on to release hits like ‘Ngoku’ and ‘Lahla’ and was featured on Bhizer’s hit, ‘Gobisiqolo’. She then went on and released the single, ‘Bazoyenza‘.

During her live poetry readings, Busiswa met a friend who introduced her to the late producer, Sir Bubzin. At the time, Sir Bubzin was producing the song ‘Syaphambana’.

He invited her to perform her poems on the track. The song was released for the first time in the first Kalawa Jazmeee Dance compilation in 2011.

Their performance led the CEO of the record company Kalawa Records, Oskido Mdlondgwa to sign Busiswa and Sir Bubzin. The duo worked together on another track ‘My Name is Busiswa’, produced by DJ Zinhle. Busiswa received the co-writing credit.

The track was a huge hit and received extensive airplay on South African radio stations. It pushed Busiswa into the limelight and got numerous gigs in countries like Zimbabwe, Angola, and Namibia.

The song earned her nominations for the Channel O Africa Music Video Award for the Most Gifted Dance Video and Video of the Year.

It also got nominated for the South African Music Award for Record of the Year. By this time, she had moved to Johannesburg and had signed with Kalawa Jazmee Records.

Busiswa released her next song, ‘Ngoku’, on 11 March 2013, as a non-album single on iTunes and a music video on YouTube.

The song was an instant dance hit for its catchy chorus and received enormous airplay making it commercially successful.

She promoted her song by performing it with Oskido on the e.tv music show ‘Club 8o8’. The song went on to win the Most Gifted Dance category at the 2014 Channel O Africa Music Video Awards.

In November 2013, Gqulu released a single track called ‘Lahla’, featuring DJ Buckz and Uhuru. The song was a massive hit among fans, and the music video garnered more than 1 million views on YouTube.

In September 2016, Gjulu joined the fourth season of Clash of Choirs as a choirmaster alongside Kelly Khumalo, Anele Mdoda, JR, Bucie, Sifiso Ncwane, and IFANI. She was the choirmaster of the KwaZulu-Natal and was eliminated from the competition after a battle with the team Western Cape led by IFANI.

In 2017, Busiswa Gqulu released her debut album ‘Highly Flavoured’, which featured artists like Busi N, Nokwazi, Moozlie, and more. After the success of her first album, she released her second album, ‘Summer Life‘.

Busiswa featured in Beyonce’s The Lion King: The Gift. She also collaborated with a South African Amapiano musician Kamo Mphela and released the single ‘Sbwl’.

Apart from her music and poetry, Busiswa plays an active role in Art for Humanity (AFH) where she conducts workshops for school children to help them appreciate poetry and the visual arts.

Gqulu also collaborates with the Umlazi District Department of Education’s Youth Development Officer. She helps learners improve their public speaking, debating, and performance poetry skills.

Busiswa Gqulu’s Relationships 

Busiswa is not married but has been in at least two relationships. One with Sfiso Mazibuko, which she revealed was abusive and the other with poet and musician DJ Katlego “Kaygee” Mlangeni, which resulted in the birth of her child, Lakhanya Gqulu, in January 2018.

The choreographer disclosed that DJ Katlego was also abusive and claimed that he stalked her even after they broke up.

Busiswa Gqulu’s Controversy

In 2019, Busiswa Gqulu and producer Themba Kubheka were allegedly attacked by Busiswa’s ex and baby daddy Katlego Mlangeni.

Kubheka spoke about the violent assault and posted the alleged events on social media after Gqulu’s performance at a club in Rosebank.

Kubheka said that the dancer was discussing the difficulties of her relationship when Mlangeni attacked them. Mlangeni denied the allegations and claimed that he saw them in a compromising position.

Busiswa Gqulu’s Net Worth

Busi’s incredible success in the music industry means her net worth has constantly been growing, especially in 2020-2021. Busiswa’s net worth is expected to be $1 Million – $5 Million.

Awards & Recognition 

• 2014 Channel O Africa Music Video Awards – Most Gifted Dance Video
• 25th South African Music Awards – Best Kwaito Album
• Busiswa’s songs got her nominated for various awards at the 2011 Channel O Africa Music Video Awards and various editions of the South African Music Awards.

Social Media

Busiswa Gqulu’s Instagram: @busiswaah

Busiswa Gqulu’s Facebook: Busiswa

Busiswa Gqulu’s Twitter: @Busiswaah

Q&A

What is Busiswa’s real name? 

Her real name is Busiswa Gjulu and she is commonly known as Busiswa or Busi.

How old is Busiswa? 

Born on 8 November 1988, Busiswa Gqulu is 34 years old.

What country is Busiswa from? 

Busiswa is a South African singer and poet. She was born in Mthatha, Eastern Cape, South Africa.