Award winning singer and songwriter Basetsana “Bassie” Maluleke is making waves with her new single, Ubuya Nini, a song she proudly recorded herself, navigating the challenges of being a young artist while juggling university life.
Since moving away to pursue her studies, Bassie hasn’t had regular access to a recording studio. Determined to keep creating, she saved up to buy her own studio equipment and brought her music to life from her dorm in Bloemfontein.
Ubuya Nini reflects her personal experiences, capturing the feeling of missing someone and being emotionally distant a theme many listeners will relate to.
“It was really challenging recording this on my own,” Bassie admits. “I was figuring things out as I went. At first, I didn’t even like how my voice sounded on the track because I thought 3-step music should be sung a certain way. But with guidance from Tee Jay and Ntando, I started seeing the potential in the song.”
The collaboration with producers Tee Jay and Ntando helped Bassie find confidence in her work. Ntando’s verse inspired her to tweak her own, though her producers reassured her original take was already strong. The end result is a sing-along track that resonates with listeners across generations, from youth to adults.
Bassie also emphasizes the growth she’s noticed in her music. “Even though my writing always tells a story, I can hear the difference in my voice, the melodies, and the structure of my verses. I feel like I’ve broken through something, learning to manage music alongside school.”
Balancing a Distinction-level academic workload with a burgeoning music career hasn’t been easy. Bassie acknowledges the pressure, but she’s determined not to choose between the two passions she loves most. “Education helps me see life from different perspectives, which feeds directly into my music. There must be a reason why I’m studying this course and making music at the same time.”
Looking ahead, Bassie is focused on connecting with her audience. She and her team plan to release a performance video on Freshman Mag and engage listeners directly, teaching them the song and encouraging sing-alongs. It’s a strategic step to see how far the song can reach, both on stage and in hearts.
Despite the hurdles, Bassie’s advice to aspiring artists is simple: keep creating. “Write your music, even if you have writer’s block. Capture every idea, because it will pay off when you step into the studio. Where there’s a will, there’s a way.”
