It’s been a few years since I last went to a Buhlebendalo Night and I was determined to have fun ! All I had to do was sit and witness an African Icon pour December blessings on us.
The show was set at Hue Cafe, in the heart of Durban, it’s an emerging community that’s set in this revamped house in the city. They serve food and drinks and offer art, joy, shows, book clubs, yoga and more. We gathered at the back of their yard under the clouds, there was a slight drizzle but the red light fell so beautifully on Buhle’s face.
I felt so secure in the moment. There was so many beautiful people around me but I definitely wanted to focus on the show. My drink ran out and I didn’t want to move.
Buhle’s energy was so different from me this time. Her voice just sounded so well trained. She was a lot softer and clearer with her messaging. Each of the words just landed on your skin. She definitely took the time to honour being in KZN. She sang the Shaka iLembe song from their sound track and in that moment I saw the performer in her take us into a sacred space immediately. I felt so loved, her singing felt like love, like the lyrics came out of the source to hug my soul. It just felt so healing. Her voice reminded me that the universe actually loves me. I had a little tear in my eye. Ngavele ngambona uDecember !!!
I actually enjoyed all my favorite songs from the new album, “Hele” and the older album “Chosi”. Buhle’s work focuses on African’s loving ourselves enough to acknowledge all the magic we come from. “Makube chosi kube hele” is an ancient Xhosa phrase that describes a state of acceptance, understanding or agreement with guidance/ decisions and direction from your ancestral lineage. The two albums are both delicately woven into this phrase & both speak to being guided by the Amadlozi (ancestors), being accountable to the Umsamo (shrine) and loving those you love. The synergy of both albums speak to Buhle’s evolution as a solo artist. It also shows commitment to the awakening of the consciousness of all Africans. Work like this is always a calling. Healers like this deserve all the blessings.
Ndodakazi is one of my favorite songs, it’s a dedication to her daughter but sounds like all the words a child wants to hear from her mother. The song contextualizes her being grateful for this beautiful and clever child. Her little flower. We always hear of broken childhoods but its rare to hear parents shower their children with love and purpose unprovoked. Buya Azania had me on the floor. That is my song for life. By the time “Hele” came on, I just felt this party was peaking ! What an excellent experience.
I tried to record where I could but she’s touring all over the country regularly, please make the effort to see the work, listen to her album, you’d be in for a soulful treat. I cant wait to do it again ! I was so grateful to see Buhle in Durban ! Follow her @BuhlebendaloMda on IG for her latest tour dates. The amasango (gates) of December 2024 have officially been opened !
