We were first introduced to Kalawa Chikita Busiswa Gqulu in 2012 on DJ Zinhle’s song My Name Is. Since then she has been churning out hits like Ngoku, Lahla and Nangu.
Busiswa Gqulu’s performance poetry journey started when she joined the collective Young Basadzi Women of Poetry in 2005. Since then, she has captivated audiences across various stages, including the National Arts Festival, Cape Town National Youth Festival and the Poetry Africa Festival where she first performed in 2010.
A new-age performance poet and singer, Gqulu has opened the stage for singers Tu Nokwe and Siphokazi and shared the stage with such artists as Ntsiki Mazwai, Mak Manaka, Lebo Mashile, Gcina Mhlophe, Ernie Smith and Concord Nkabinde, among others. Some of her career highlights include performing at the Malibongwe Dialogues held in 2008 as part of Nelson Mandela’s 90th birthday celebrations and being the resident stage presenter at a major public viewing area in Durban during the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
Gqulu’s poetry was selected for a CD compilation called Sounds 031 – Best of Durban Women edition. Using her poetry as a means of reaching out across various platforms, Gqulu features as a poet on numerous community and nationwide radio stations. She also works for Art for Humanity (AFH) where she provides workshops for school children, as a means to help develop an appreciation for poetry and the visual arts. Gqulu’s development work also involved working with the Umlazi District Department of Education’s Youth Development Office, tutoring learners on public speaking, debating and performance poetry.
Gqulu heads the initiative which aims to link poets to economically beneficial opportunities and charity projects, 1st Word Poetry Project. As a musician, Gqulu is signed to Kalawa Jazmee/Universal Records in Johannesburg. She was featured on the dance track “My Name Is” by Dj Zinhle, which has received extensive airplay on South African radio stations since its release.
Gqom and House music sensation, Busiswa Gqulu is serving all kinds of African queenliness on all four covers of the May issue of Bona Magazine. This is the Bazoyenza hit-maker’s first cover in her five-year musical career. To celebrate the milestone, Busiswa has celebrated in the funniest, yet inspirational way on social media.
#1.
WOW it’s a nice feeling hey? #CovergirlChronicles @bona_mag Nandifak’ ezintweni ???
#2.
It’s about all the girls who’ve been told the same things I’ve heard: “you’re too big”, “you must do more than talk in your songs”, ? “you were better off as a poet, for your body-type “?”what will you do if you run out of ideas?”,?”we don’t design plus-sizes here”… well 5 years in the music industry & there is one thing I know for sure: I AM ENOUGH!! YOU are enough? #CovergirlChronicles #BonaMag #MayIssue2018 #BonaxBusiswa
#3.
In her first magazine cover ever, our May issue features fierce musician @busiswaah Gqulu who talks about her tough childhood, dominating the music industry and embracing her biggest role yet – being mom to four-month-old son, Lakhanya. #BONAMay #covergirl#coverstar #musician #blackgirlmagic #blackexcellence
#4.
The IsiXhosa version of our May issue with the talented @busiswaah Gqulu. Make sure to get yourself a copy to keep up with #iStarring and all your favourite features! #BONAMay #covergirl #coverstar #musician #blackgirlmagic #blackexcellence
#5.
“I was evicted 5 times from the boarding houses because I couldn’t afford to pay rent.” @busiswaah gracing our IsiZulu issue! Grab a copy in stores now to read her inspiring story! #BONAMay #covergirl #coverstar #musician #blackgirlmagic #blackexcellence
#6.
And finally, the SeSotho version of our May issue with @busiswaah. Read all about her unrelenting spirit by grabbing a copy in stores now! #BONAMay #covergirl #coverstar #musician #blackgirlmagic #blackexcellence
