The Bucie reign: Courtesy of Destiny Magazine

After seven years in the music industry, singer Bucie Nqwiliso has garnered several award nominations including a recent Channel O one. We chat to the first lady of house music about life, music and business.

You have been in this industry for close to a decade now, yet you have managed to keep a low media profile. Was this a concerted effort from your side?

I let my music speak for itself. People start to say things about you when they think they know you and see you all the time. I prefer to keep certain things to myself (laughs).

How did you enter the music industry?

In 2005, when I was 18, I entered a competition. I went for auditions in Bloemfontein. I was with my sisters and pregnant at the time. They liked me but I wasn’t 18 yet. They would say I was so young and I’d say but I’m turning 18! [laughs]. I competed with older people in the competition and I came out tops. They decided to take me on and for the first time I came to Joburg by myself. In 2006, there was a June 16 project which I participated in and I think at that point I decided, I can do this. I can sing and make a living out of this. In 2007, my father died. I was supposed to go and see him but couldn’t. It made me realise that life is short and you need to do what makes you happy. I decided to study music. I studied the bass guitar.

Why did you choose to study bass guitar?

It’s got such a big sound. They’ve always said that dynamite comes in small packages.

Who were you discovered by?

While studying music at the Central Johannesburg College, I was discovered by Demor. He was part of the group called Shana which consists of Demor, Black Coffee and Shotta. They were looking for a female vocalist. He heard me sing and we went into the studio to record some songs. From there I released some singles.

What have you learnt from your mentors?

They taught me that the press can either make or break you, so it’s best to stay away. It took forever for me to understand that I’m actually a public figure. I had to learn that not everyone is genuine and I need to choose my friends carefully. They taught me that anything I put on paper and on the mic, I must feel it. Which is why I write my own music. I’ve learnt so much, to remain humble. Fortunately, I’ve always been humble.

You have a seven-year old son. Tell us about him.

Everything I do, I do for my son. I’m living for him. We spend as much time as we can together. He lives with my mother. I know he doesn’t resent me. He appreciates me and he already understands that I need to work.

What background do you come from?

I was raised in a Christian home. My mum was a pastor and my dad was very strict. They were quite disappointed when I fell pregnant. I cried every day for three months when I found out I was pregnant. It really hurt me. I never thought I’d be 18 and pregnant. After I gave birth, my parents took my son and I decided that I’m going to make my parents proud. For some reason, you get girls who fall pregnant and think, oh no I have a child, what now? It’s not the end of the world. You need to ask yourself, who are you? What talents do I have, you have so much time to realise your dreams.

What was the music scene in Jo’burg like for you? Did you have to learn anything the hard way?

I’ve learnt a lot. I’m a very strong person. Joburg taught me that everybody is different, not everyone that laughs with you likes you. I’ve learnt that there are many good times. There are a lot of events happening, but you need to pace yourself, you don’t have to be at every event. I’ve learnt that some things are not worth it. I also learnt that the music industry is not easy.

What did it feel like becoming a celebrity at a young age?

I’m not comfortable with that word. My manager says to me that you should be comfortable with what you say. Being wanted on every track was overwhelming and humbling at the same time because there are so many female singers in SA but they wanted me. People must feel your presence in the studio. I’ve been nominated for a Channel O award, a Sama and a Metro FM award in the past year. People wanting to work with you shouldn’t give you a big head; instead it should make you worried because it means you need to keep on delivering.

What do you think is lacking on the South African music scene?

The issue with musicians is that they are not willing to grow. They want to remain known for a specific song. One needs to remember that music changes every year. There’s new styles of singing and producing each year, you can’t be stuck in the past. To stay relevant, you need to be willing to learn from others as well.

What are you currently busy with?

I co-own Demor Management. I bought shares in the company last year. I know for a fact that I’m not going to be hot for ever. There’s going to be a younger and better Bucie so I thought let me be the one that discovers, finds and makes her. I’m going to be a producer and I’m going to have my own artists. I already manage Damor and a group of guys. I can’t wait for South Africa to hear them.

So essentially you have now become a businesswoman. How has that transition been?

It’s ok, because I’m not all about making money. I’m about working hard and the money will follow.

How has studying music equipped you for the business side of music?

I know how to draft invoices and contracts. When my business partner is not around I do all these things. A lot of people get into music and they don’t understand how the industry works. They expect things and haven’t been educated on how the industry works. It takes time for people to warm up to you and when they do, they don’t buy CDs any more so you have to come up with a strategy that is going to make you money. The little money that you make, you have to put it back into the business so it can grow. I had to educate myself and I think I’ve done pretty well so far. You are a brand and you need to conduct yourself as one. You have to understand business, it’s not just about music.

You have performed all over the world. How did promoters from other countries approach you?

I was approached directly, they heard my music and they Googled me. They know so much about me that South Africans don’t know. This one time I was a brand ambassador for Kit Kat and I had a video where I was munching a whole lot of them. I got to Portugal and I was frustrated, as I had lost my luggage and they had heard about it. When I got on stage the crowd starting throwing Kit Kats at me because they had seen the video and thought they were my favourite [laughs].

Which countries have you performed in?

I’ve been to America, the UK, Italy, Portugal, Bulgaria and other European countries.

* To vote for Bucie in the Channel O Most Gifted Female Video Award category, SMS 5E to 083 920 8406.

Official Get Over It music video by Demor Music’s very own BUCIE!


Princess Of House Review

 This is a classic album by far as i have cemented my voice
and presence in the music industry,the album is a potpourri of
Soulful House, Soul, Afro-Beat and R&B

On this project i collaborated with artists such as Zakes Bantwini,
Bongani Nchang(Malaika),Demor Sikhosana.Producers on Princess of House
 include Abicah Soul, Black Coffee,Demor Sikhosana,Sun-El Sithole and 
Zakes Bantwini.On this Album i show case my writing and matured vocal 
abilities cause i penned all the songs unless indicated.This project 
saw me writing about personal experiences and also inspired
 by issues that woman go through in their daily lives.I assumes
the role of being a women’s voice by raising such issues and
 boosts women confidence.On this album Ihave catered
 for all my fans from across the globe by putting togethera
 sound that can be felt and loved by everyone.“Get Over it”
the new single is already a success worldwide with the demand
of live performance.
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