While most people her age think about retirement and life after it, Busi Pikini is on an upward career trajectory.
At 58 years old, Pikini, popularly known as Velabavuye, released her debut album last month. She officially launched the six-track traditional music album Lonakele Ilizwe at Embengweni in Town Two on Saturday 6 May.
Velabavuye described the occasion as a dream come true for her.
The traditional singer, who is also a songwriter and poet, described her journey to success as bumpy and painful.
She said she sacrificed a lot to be where she is currently.
“I grew up in a conservative family in Tsolo in the Eastern Cape. As children, we were taught about respect and ubuntu. I grew up with that in me, and I became a poet at an early young age and grew up performing in traditional ceremonies.”
Velabavuye said in 2019 she co-founded a traditional group called Ekhaya KwaNtu in Town Two.
“I performed in various areas of the country as a poet,” she said. “In 2018 I performed in front of President Cyril Ramaphosa at Paarl Rugby Stadium during an African National Congress Women’s League event.
“Also the same year I welcomed our Miss Universe Zozibini Tunzi at Mthatha Airport. But as a group we used to perform at local and traditional events.”
Velabavuye said she released a music video called Nanga Amabomvana in 2021, which aimed at educating people about the Covid-19 pandemic.
“My music accommodates everyone, especially the youth,” she said. “I’m talking about social ills such as teenage pregnancy, substance abuse, chronic diseases, crime, and so on.
“I encourage people to go back to their roots,” said Velabavuye.
She advises young artists to focus and persevere if they wish to be successful in life.