By Katlego Sekhu
Babalwa M is a talented South African singer making noise on the music scene.
Her lively and yet punchy voice navigates masterfully through the up-tempo dance beats. Babalwa’s versatility saw her featured on Kabza De Small & Koppz project and MKeys private school piano.
This morning she chatted to Tbose on my Top 10 at 10 about her upbringing, music, lover for journalism, family, and much more.
She is a Soweto girl
The singer was born and bred in Johannesburg.
“I was born in Orlando and moved to Protea Glen; my life is pretty much there. My mom is so loud; she enjoys singing everywhere – I’m not sure about the voice.
“I was never the girl at choirs; I used to sing when there were Youth events when they’d ask me to sing. I was majaivane – everyone thought that I would be a dancer. I also played soccer, and I think I was excellent,” she told Tbose.
A role model to young women
Her hit record, Ungazilibali, was written to remind young girls never to forget who they are.
“When I wrote that song, I was pretty much trying to remind the young girl out there that whatever you do, never forget yourself. There was a point when I was growing up, I forgot who I was, and I forgot what I’m capable of and what I’m worth.
“When I did this song, it was just a reminder for myself and the young girls out there,” she said about the record.
She is a journalist by profession
Babalwa has a passion for storytelling.
“I was interested in telling stories and knowing what’s happening around me. But unfortunately, in South Africa, it’s so difficult to get a job; I’ve been applying for internships for years, and I was like, let me just let it go,” she shared.
Music was never the plan
Music happened by chance; she never considered it a career until 2020.
“I wouldn’t say music has always been my thing. I started singing during the lockdown. You know, during the lockdown, everybody had a hobby.
“Some people were cooking, fashion, etc. So, I just wanted to do something interesting, and I told Calvin, let’s record.
“He thought I was joking actually, and then after we started recording, he saw something there.
“I was scared when I first released the EP, and I thought – what if people don’t like it? But I was doing it for fun, so I wanted to see where it goes,” she said about her rise to stardom.
Her family has been supportive from day one
Unlike most upcoming musicians, Babalwa M never had to worry about not getting support from her family.
“My family is so extra; they play my songs every day and everywhere. It’s even their ringtones.
“They have always wanted me to do this, but I wasn’t interested. My family used to force me to go sing at church, and I wasn’t comfortable; I preferred being the Sunday School teacher at church,” she shared.
