WeeklySA_AdminDEVOTED: She says praise and worship is what she does on stage
By Gugu Sibiya
After scooping two of the most coveted SAMA awards recently, Busi Hadebe is the name that will surely be heard more of in the local music scene in the coming years.
Stepping from backline to center stage, Busi threw a spanner in the works when she walked away with Best Newcomer and Best Gospel Awards – a feat that allows her to join the elite circle of gospel royalty in the realm of Rebecca Malope, Deborah Fraser and Hlengiwe Mhlaba to name a few.
“I grew up with hymns swirling around my head. My mother was a devoted church goer and we sang our lungs out on Sundays. So, you can say I’m one of those singers whose gospel music career owes its origins in church, albeit unknowingly,” Busi says, explaining the roots of her gospel music journey.
Her glittering gospel music path began at the end of 2019 when she recorded her debut offering. “Spiritual Encounter was launched early last year. I didn’t have much time to promote it. I turned to social media and by the grace of God, people heard it. In fact it’s doing so well on digital stores that to date it’s got 14 million streams on iTunes” she coos happily.
On the traction her music has gained among the ardent genre followers, Busi talks about her magic wand. “When I get on stage I sing about God’s love and how He always knows about our needs even before we articulate them. I was oblivious to how much of a healing balm to broken spirits the songs are.
“My performances are about worship, praise, spiritually healing and give hope to those who are ready to throw the towel. These are trying times, but this too shall pass.” On the impact of music, she says, “I had no inkling just how much until my husband and I were watching a video of Warriors Medley. People were stirred to the depths of their soul. The atmosphere was charged. That’s when he suggested that we title the album, Spiritual Encounter.
“My husband constantly reminded me that when I’m on stage, it’s not about me. It’s about the audience, what they want and what’s stirring their soul.
“I look up to Rebecca Malope and grew up listening and singing along to her songs. I’ve since added Lebo Sekhobela to the list. It’s inspiring that both of them think I’m on the right track.
I want to be where they are someday, travelling the world. Collaborating with them and Solly Mahlangu would be the icing on the cake,” she bubbles, as if imagining the day such dream collaborations become a reality.
Her journey with music has been an interesting one, having also sang classical music at school. “I later joined the BlackTie Ensemble. After stints at Kopano Chorale and Opera Africa, I set out on my gospel path by backing Solly Obrigado Mahlangu. I learnt a lot from this consummate professional and engaging artist. Audiences say I’m dramatic; they can tell I’ve worked with Solly”.
“My drama emanates from my impoverished childhood. I pour out my reality on stage because it’s sadly the reality of most of us. My mother was a domestic worker with six children. We were always hungry. I’ve eaten from rubbish bins or other kids’ leftovers. So, when I sing, it’s about my pain. I know now that God was preparing me for this moment so that I never forget where I come from,” she confides.
“I’m living my dream and it’s a wonderful feeling. In October I’ll be performing in Namibia.
“The awards come with pressure, I’m so ready for it, she reveals excitedly.
