Celani Sikhakhane
Maskandi musician Buselaphi Gxowa used to get lucrative gigs in KwaZulu-Natal municipalities, but since publicly declaring her political affiliation with the National Freedom Party (NFP), she says her bookings have dried up.
Buselaphi, who rose to fame as the lead singer for the Imithente musical group, told hundreds of NFP supporters at the Siyabonga rally that her association with the party has cost her a lot in the music industry.
The rally, held in Manzamakhulu in Nongoma on Sunday, was organised to celebrate the party’s victory in Ward 20.
“Many municipalities have decided to close their doors against me. I’m no longer getting any performing gigs,” said Buselaphi.
“I now rely on the selling of my CDs and my other businesses.”
She said no one wants to hire her but then added that it doesn’t matter.
“It is good to suffer for something you believe in. I joined this party with a purpose. It was formed by a strong woman who was working for poor people,” she said.
Her decision has also forced her to leave the Imithente group after her colleagues told her that her political stance was costing them.
The group used to get many gigs from events organised by former president Jacob Zuma’s wife MaNgema. They were also getting a lot of gigs from the IFP but Buselaphi was no longer willing to honour the events due to her political stance.
In 2011, Buselaphi shook many when she publicly pledged her support for the NFP after its formation by the late Zanele kaMagwaza Msibi.
She joined the party along with Ukhozi Fm DJ Zimiphi Zimdollar Biyela.
Buselaphi was then elected as a councillor in the eKurhuleni Municipality, but within five months she complained that municipal work was taking too much of her time and she couldn’t concentrate on her music.
Ahead of last year’s local government elections, Buselaphi was nowhere to be seen in any of the party’s election campaigns.
