Sangoma, spiritualist and soulful perform her latest body of work, ‘Chosi’ and ‘Hele’ at the Soweto Theatre. Under the title, “Makube Chosi, Kube Hele”.The newly solo artist, who was oncepart of the groovy quirky musicalgroup, the Soil. Will be showcasing her latest albums on 22 November 2024 and doors open at 8pm.
Buhlebendalo was born and raised in Soweto, so it is only fitting for her to pay homage to a place that influenced and shaped the musician that she is today. “Now I am giving back, I am paying homage to the place that birthed the sound that is in me.” Said Buhlebendalo On 15 November, a group of Buhlebendalo’s fans who entered acompetition that was run by theSoweto Theatre. Were spoiled to a behind-the-scenes intimate sessionwith Buhlebendalo. Where they had the opportunity to ask her some questions regarding her music career, requested her to perform some of their favourite songs from her solo albums ‘Chosi’ and ‘Hele’. As well as a few other surprises that Buhlebendalo along with her childhood choir group, Lesedi la kganya will be performing on her main performance night.
Fans of Buhlebendalo can expect to hear songs such as Embo, Mdali, Ndodakazi among many others thatshe’ll be performing. On the evening that promises to feel like a connection with the higher-self. Those who know Buhlebendalo and love to see her perform, know that her shows don’t come without evoking the Ancestors. Through chanting, clapping and drumming.
Buhlebendalo in her element as she performs and wows audiences to her spiritually healing music. Audiences can expect to leave the show feeling much lighter, and spiritually revived. Idlozi Magazine had the privilege of sitting down and chatting to Buhlebendalo for a question and answer interview and this is what she had to say.
The, “Makube Chosi, Kube Hele” show will be performed by Buhlebendalo alongside her choir, ‘Lesedi la kganya’. At the Soweto Theatre on 22 November 2024 at 8pm. Tickets are available at R250 per ticket.
Q: In Isixhosa, what does the saying “Makube Chosi, Kube Hele” mean?
A: In IsiXhosa, we say “Makube Chosi, Kube Hele” when we connect with our higher selves, our higher-beings, our Ancestors. In order for our manifestations to take flight. So after praying or ukuphahla ‘emsamo’ at our shrines. We say, “Makube Chosi, KubeHele” for everything we have prayed for to go into the universe. It is more of a mantra to manifest good things to take flight.
Q: Everyone wants to know, is Buhlebendalo a Sangoma or are you a spiritualist?
A: I’m both a Sangoma and a Spiritualist. However, growing up I never wanted to be boxed as a person. I was indeed initiated to be a Sangoma. As I grew up, and grew into the Sangoma practice. I realised that the word Sangoma means so much more than what we see. I believe that I carry my healing within my voice. And a Sangoma is awakened by ‘ingoma’, music. In order for connection to take flight. Spirituality is what we take into the journey, as we try to understand our higher selves.
Q: Why the transition from being a vibby and hippy singer we know from trio group, The Soil. To a calm spiritual musician?
A: I think I’ve always been calm. It’s just that now my music has found me. I created a home for my sound and I created a home for my spiritual work to work through my voice. And I think that was the vibe and brand of the Soil. The hippiness, the quirkiness, the vibe.That was on brand. And I feel that when you’re an artist and you’re assigned to a certain setting. You have to move yourself into that particular brand. You move into the assignment of that advert in order to sell that product. I’ve always been a spiritual musician. It’s just that I channeled it according to the Soils brand. Now my music speaks through out the person that I am as it has found a home and a comfortable space to live in. I’m still the same girl, I’m just tuning more into myself. My higher-self.
Q: CHOSI and HELE, are two different albums. What inspired them and when did you know when it was time torelease HELE?
A: Chosi and Hele are not differen albums. They are co-related. They are birthed from the same well. Hele is more of a free flowing, healing space and Chosi is more of a start of a story that Hele continued. I never know when it is time to release an album until the music is ready. When I’m ready, it’s more of a call from the universe and I follow the call I am assigned for.
Q: Your upcoming performance will take place at the Soweto Theatre, is there a specific reason why you chose topartner with them to showcase your work?
A: I was born in Soweto and I was raised in Soweto. I particularly remember what was known as the, Jabulani Amphitheatre, now called the Soweto Theatre. I’m taken a back to a time where I used to play on those streets. My fondest memory is when my cousin and I used to pretend to be Brenda Fassie.Now I’m giving back to my community, and back to the streets that raised me.
Q: What can your fans who will be attending your performance expect on22 November at the Soweto Theatre?
A: My fans can expect an out of the ordinary theatre performance. It will be the first of its kind. I’ve never done this before and I’m going to be honouring everything that has made the Buhlebendalo sound to be what it is now.
Q: Asides from the Soweto Theatre, where else can your fans expect to see you performing your work, are there other shows in the line up?
A: A week after our Soweto Theatre performance. We’ll be travelling to Durban for a two day performance at the Hugh Cafe. Owned by a friend and colleagues in the music industry, Linda Majola. I’m very passionate about creating work spaces for my healing work. And I think this particular venue will give my performance that feeling of intimate and smooth. The,“Makube Chosi, Kube Hele” show will be performed by Buhlebendalo alongside her choir, ‘Lesedi la kganya’ At the Soweto Theatre on 22 November2024 at 8pm. Tickets are available at R250 per ticket.