Songs for Busi (A tribute to an Urban Zulu)

Busi Mhlongo (far right) supporting the 2003 Bush Against War campaign with former Bush Radio Managing Director, Zane Ibrahim (centre) and intern Noortje Bergmans

Due to numerous requests Bush Radio will replay the tribute to Busi Mhlongo by Bassie Montewa which originally aired on Wednesday.

*Tune into Bush Radio 89.5 FM or listen online tonight (Friday, 18 June 2010) from 19h00 – 20h00*

Following South African music icon Busi Mhlongo’s untimely death, condolences have poured in from various people around the country.

Congress of South African Trade Union’s Patric Craven says as Cosatu they mourn the singer, dancer and composer’s passing.

Craven adds Mhlongo made a unique contribution to the development of South African music and culture, and paid tribute in her music to worker’s struggles.

“Her song Umentyisi condemned the violence inflicted on our people by their colonial masters,” he said.

Cosatu praised Mhlongo for refusing traditional Zulu music with modern styles and promoting South African music to a worldwide audience.

Meanwhile, during many visits around the country Mhlongo visited Bush Radio studios in Cape Town where she was hosted by Bush Radio’s Bassie Montewa.

Montewa remembered ‘Mama Busi Mhlongo’ as a warm loving woman who treated everyone she met as her own children.

“I remember when she was here and I was not feeling well, she called me aside after the show and consoled me as a parent,” said Montewa.

He described Mhlongo as a victor who reached her destiny in life.

original story published by Bush Radio News

Tags: Bassie Montewa, Bush Radio studios, Busi Mhlongo, South African, Umentyisi, Urban Zulu, Zulu