Tsholofelo on healing, growth and the making of Burning Bush

Released on 8 May 2026, the project marked a significant shift in both her sound and creative approach. In a recent interview with the Music In Africa team, Tsholofelo reflected on the emotional process behind the album, the challenges she faced during its creation, and her plans to bring the music to audiences across South Africa.

At the heart of the project lies a story of transformation. Discussing the title track, Tsholofelo recalled how profoundly the song affected her during its creation.

“It was such a transformative thing because I really felt like something in me was changing,” she said. “For a while I couldn’t play Burning Bush without breaking down.”

The album emerged during a difficult period in the artist’s life. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Tsholofelo considered stepping away from music altogether while grieving the loss of her uncle. The experience inspired Past Two Years, a reflective song that charts a journey from sorrow towards hope.

Looking back, she describes the track as a turning point.

“It brought me back.”

The song's creation coincided with another significant moment. Shortly after returning to songwriting, Tsholofelo received news that she had been awarded support through the SAMRO Music Creation Support Fund, an opportunity she says renewed her motivation to continue making music.

Themes of healing, faith, love and personal growth run throughout Burning Bush, resonating with listeners who have found reflections of their own experiences within the songs. The record also represents a departure from her previous work, both sonically and emotionally.

Rather than focusing primarily on polished production, Tsholofelo wanted to create music that felt honest and unfiltered.

She explained that the album was driven by a desire to communicate her experiences as truthfully as possible, allowing vulnerability to become a central part of the storytelling. In doing so, she hopes to foster a deeper connection with her audience.

That connection is something she is eager to translate into a live setting as preparations continue for the Burning Bush tour.

“It feels like a challenge, but the exciting kind,” she said, describing the process of recreating the atmosphere of the album on stage.

Beyond reproducing the music, Tsholofelo hopes the performances will encourage a sense of participation and collective experience.

“Another thing that I’m excited about is encouraging other people to participate in the music, because with Burning Bush, I always imagined it to feel like a communal experience.”

The tour is expected to begin in Johannesburg in September 2026, with additional performances planned for Durban and Cape Town. Dates and venues are yet to be confirmed.

As anticipation builds, Burning Bush continues to stand as a testament to Tsholofelo’s willingness to confront difficult emotions through music. Her songs create an intimate space where vulnerability and reflection coexist, inviting listeners into conversations about loss, healing and personal transformation.

When the tour eventually takes to the road, audiences can expect more than a live performance. For Tsholofelo, it is an opportunity to extend the spirit of the album beyond the recording studio, transforming deeply personal stories into a shared experience of connection, resilience and renewal.