Busi Mhlongo

Busi Mhlongo is originally from Inanda in Natal, South Africa, Busi Mhlongo is a virtuoso singer, dancer and composer whose music defies categorization. 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 produces 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 60s, she addopted the artistic name Vickie, only later she becames 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 - [http://www.mweb.co.za/hubs/entertainment/music/reviewarticle.aspx?articleid=26603 Robert "Doc" Mthalane] making meticulously produced, melodic and modern South African music.

Her work also spans 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 [http://www.melt.co.za 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. Busi has been diagnosed with Cancer and is undergoing treatment. President Thabo Mbheki was one of the Hounourable guests.

Her album [http://cd.co.za/reviews/busi.htm URBANZULU] , is the very first time that Maskanda has been expressed by a Zulu woman commercially to an international audience.