Busi Ncube

BIO

Busi Ncube (born on 15 June 1963) is a Zimbabwean Afro-pop musician based in Oslo, Norway.

Ncube is one of the founding members of a defunct Afro-fusion band called Ilanga. She draws her musical influence from her father Sunday, who was a bass guitar and vocalist for a local jazz band. Her love for music began when she was six. She and her other seven sisters were part of a church choir. The sisters participated in traditional dancing groups and other ceremonies.

Her involvement in such outfits prompted her to learn how to play percussions and drums. Together with her twin sister Sipathisiwe, they joined a music group called Ebony Sheik. In 1987, Ncube went to visit her elder sister Doreen who lived in Harare. While in Harare, she joined Ilanga band. The group comprised Don Gumbo, the late Andy Brown, Virgillio Ignacia, Gibson Nyoni, Charles Mangena and Keith Farquharson.

Ilanga recorded their debut single ‘Thandiwe’. This was followed by ‘Song of Africa’ and ‘Botha’. In 1987, they recorded an album ‘Visions Foretold’. To date, Ilanga only recorded three albums. The group disbanded prompting her to launch a solo career. Since then, Ncube started recording her own music. As of August 2017, she had recorded 14 albums with a backing band called Rain.

In 2006, the band toured Norway and made an appearance at the Mela Festival. Ncube has done projects with other musicians. In 2006, she collaborated on an album ‘Hupenyu Kumusha/Life at Home’ (2006). The album featured several notable Zimbabwean musicians such as Chiwoniso Maraire, Roger Mbambo, Adam Chisvo and Mashasha.

She has toured the Czech Republic, Belgium, Slovakia, Germany, Norway, Sweden and many others. Ncube has also shared the stage with international musicians such as Tracy Chapman, Bruce Springsteen, Miriam Makeba, Hugh Masekela, Youssou N’dou and Sting.

Ncube divides her time between Harare and Oslo, where she teaches and performs. She studied music at the Harare College of Music and has groomed Dudu Manhenga and many other musicians.