Condolences pour in for late Busi Mhlongo

By Nomava Nobumba and Ofentse Mokae
16 June 2010

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 the station’s Bassie Montewa.

Montewa remembered ‘Mama Busi Mhlongo’ as a warm loving woman who treated everyone Sshe 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.