Apple Music today announces Johannesburg-based Amapiano singer-songwriter Babalwa M (real name Babalwa Mavuso) as the next Isgubhu cover star. “What an honor! This is a really huge moment for me and my supporters. It has affirmed my musical journey and just how far I’ve come,” she tells Apple Music.
“I’ve worked extremely hard to reach this point, and I don’t take it for granted. ‘Excited’ would be an understatement to express the joy I feel at being chosen as the Isgubhu cover for August. I can only keep building from here, dominating more covers, and reaching more fans.
” Born and raised in Johannesburg, Babalwa M’s musical journey began in church as a part of the choir, a period which instilled a deep appreciation in her for singing. After graduating with a degree in journalism but struggling to find work, it was during South Africa’s lockdown in 2020 where she unexpectedly turned to music again. At home alongside her partner, DJ and producer Kelvin Momo, Babalwa M began to sing on his private school Amapiano tracks, and once they shared their music with social media, the floodgates of positive feedback opened, and there was no looking back.
The release of their collaborative EP Bayeke (2020) laid the foundation for her to explore her vocal intricacies, quickly following it up with her debut album Aluta Continua (2021), characterised by its vibrant melodies and relevant narratives. Today she stands as the undisputed queen of private school Amapiano, wi.