Babalwa M: Unreal Melody
Babalwa Mavuso, known professionally as Babalwa M, is a South African singer-songwriter and musician. She gained recognition with the release of her 2020 EP Bayeke, which showcased her soulful musical style. Babalwa M’s music is known for its emotional depth and resonance, and she has continued to make waves in the music scene with subsequent releases, including her EP Pisces in April 2024 and her album Candour in October 2024. Her work has been well-received in South Africa, with several tracks achieving notable positions on local music charts.
Babalwa M’s distinct sound and musical style have made her an influential figure in the South African music industry, with her focus on soulful melodies and heartfelt lyrics capturing the attention of a growing fanbase.
Firstly, your voice! That’s the question, but seriously speaking let’s track back to your first recorded song, what made you decide to become Babalwa M?
During COVID, everyone picked up a hobby. I was actually one of the artists who started this during that time. I was unemployed, had nothing to do, and spent a lot of time with producers. One day, I decided to try something out. I was just playing around, not taking it seriously at first. Then, I recorded my first song. I wasn’t really singing, just making sounds. The producer said, ‘No way, girl, I think you can actually do this!’ And that’s how it all started.
If you had to describe your first unreal career moment, what was happening?
There are so many moments I could mention, but I won’t even try to list them all. However, the most recent one was definitely performing at the Chris Brown concert. I never imagined, in my wildest dreams, that I would perform for such a huge crowd. I’ve performed in front of large crowds before, but that was by far the biggest audience I’ve ever had. It was truly amazing.
What was in the Air when you made your latest album Candour ?
I’ve always tried to play it safe with my storytelling, but this time, I just wanted to put my feelings out there. I’m often surrounded by a lot of people, especially artists, so when we get in the studio, we usually end up talking about our problems. I just decided, ‘You know what? I think it’s time to create something — maybe even a project — and really let everything out.
Candour is all about being open and honest, and that’s the journey I’m on — not just with my personal experiences, but with my music as well. It’s about being raw, real, and letting both my heart and my art speak freely.
How does your expression capture the idea of movement—whether physical, cultural, or emotional?
I think, more than anything, the beat plays a huge role in how I write. Most of the time, the beat actually guides my style of writing. I’m usually very chilled, but I try to switch up the melody so that it doesn’t sound repetitive. It might feel similar, but never the same. If you listen to most of my music, it’s pretty laid-back, yet it still feels fresh and different. I like to think that with each song, you might feel like you’re listening to a different artist, because the melody changes, even though the beat might be similar. I believe that’s what connects people to my music — it’s the variety, the storytelling, and the way each track offers something unique.
What legacy do you hope your contribution to the music industry leaves behind?
I definitely want to be remembered as someone who told stories. I have a journalism background, so that’s always going to be a part of me. I want to be remembered as someone who shared personal stories and also pushed boundaries. That said, I’m already exploring new sounds. I’ve been recording with hip-hop producers, not just Amapiano artists, and I’m experimenting with different styles. I’m also considering collaborating with other African artists from outside South Africa, so I think people will see a lot more happening.
I also want to focus more on visuals and showing my personality. I think people often confuse my music with who I am, and it can be tricky. That’s why I’m trying to use platforms like TikTok to show the real me. People tend to associate me with my sound and think I’m really serious, which isn’t true at all. I want to put my face out there more this year. I think it’s going to be interesting.
