1. Congratulations on your outstanding year, Bassie — from achieving multi-platinum status to winning multiple awards at the Metro FM and Basadi Music Awards! How does it feel to have your efforts acknowledged at such a high level?
It feels truly amazing to receive recognition and win these awards; it has always been a dream of mine. I never actually believed it would happen, so the reality of it is significant to me. As Emtee said, “Dreams do come true; you can win if you want to.”
2. After such a triumphant year, what led you to select “Ubuya Nini” as your next single just before the festive season?
“Ubuya Nini” stems from my feelings of distance. I live quite far away from my friends, family, and partner at that moment, which left me with a sense of separation. I felt as though they had left me, pondering, ‘Why would you leave me?’ But it was I who moved, and so I wrote it from that perspective. It’s about asking, ‘When are you coming back? When will I see you again?’
3. The song captures the emotions of longing and distance between partners. What personal experiences shaped the narrative behind “Ubuya Nini”?
I want people to feel it can help fill the void when missing someone, allowing them to sing it for those they long for. It’s designed to be a simple, catchy song that resonates with both younger and older audiences.
4. You refer to “Ubuya Nini” as both personal and universal. What are your hopes for what listeners will feel when they hear it?
I believe it’s a song everyone can connect with; it serves as a reflection of how much you miss someone. That is my hope for listeners.
5. The track includes collaborators Ntando Yamahlubi, Tee Jay, and T-Man SA. How did this partnership develop, and what contributions did each artist bring to the final product?
Tee Jay sent me the beat, and I recorded my part where I live. Upon returning to Johannesburg, I listened to the track and discovered he had included Intando Yamahlubi, and I thought, “Hey, this sounds good; this sounds great!” I had yet to complete the chorus at the time, so we created it together in T-Man SA’s studio.
6. Your music beautifully combines emotion and rhythm. How do you manage to balance storytelling with creating dance-worthy tracks?
Honestly, I just express how I feel. I’m not sure if I’m adhering to a formula, but when I reflect on my songs, I notice a consistent writing pattern.
7. With your signature warm and soulful vocals, how do you maintain authenticity and emotional depth while exploring new musical styles?
I don’t set specific intentions like, “1, 2, begin—I’m going to write.” I simply write and sing based on my feelings in that moment.
8. Since “Ubuya Nini” is performed in vernacular, why was it essential for you to convey this narrative in your native language?
I’ve attempted to sing in English, yet many producers prefer my vernacular style. Singing in my home language allows me to express my emotions more authentically. Saying ‘Ubuya Nini’ is easier for me than saying, ‘When are you coming back?’. It allows me to write more fluidly and efficiently—often in just 30 minutes.
9. Amapiano is continually evolving with new trends. How do you maintain your identity while ensuring your sound remains innovative?
There are certain styles I can’t adopt, like Piano or Bacardi, because they don’t suit my voice. I prefer to focus on what I excel at for now. I may explore other styles in the future, but for the time being, I want to be comfortable with my current sound.
10. Reflecting on your musical journey, which key moments or collaborations have shaped you most as an artist?
Looking back, my collaboration with MFR Souls stands out as a turning point. I credit them with launching my career. They opened doors to many other producers reaching out to me. Additionally, people like Makwa played pivotal roles in connecting me with MFR Souls and Kwesta. Numerous individuals have contributed to my journey, and while MFR Souls and Makwa are prominent highlights, many others have supported me as well.
11. Winning several awards this year must have been fulfilling. Which accolade resonated with you the most, and why?
Winning the awards has undoubtedly been my proudest achievement; it affirmed, ‘You did it!’ It validated my potential. Although I don’t often consider myself the ‘Queen of Amapiano’ or the top artist in the country, receiving these awards demonstrates that my efforts are recognized. Since “Kwelanga” carries personal significance for me, winning the award for Best Amapiano Song and the music video award felt especially gratifying. All that hard work—thank you, God!
12. How has your songwriting evolved from earlier releases to “Ubuya Nini” and your subsequent projects?
I believe my storytelling remains consistent; I’ve always been a storyteller. Perhaps there are now more backing vocals and harmonies, but the essence of my storytelling has endured.
13. Your songs often have a profound emotional and spiritual quality. How does vulnerability influence your creative process?
Vulnerability is crucial because everyone experiences struggles. People relate to themes of heartbreak, financial difficulties, or challenges in their relationship with God. Writing about these topics helps me express what I feel, and I know others connect with it. Hearing someone say, “This song healed me,” brings me immense joy because it affirms my music’s purpose.
14. With the festive season upon us, what energy or message do you hope “Ubuya Nini” brings to people’s summer playlists this year?
I hope it encourages people to dance and enjoy the music. Ideally, I want them to know at least the chorus of ‘Ubuya Nini’ while enjoying the verses. We are still promoting it, but I am also busy creating more music.
15. Lastly, what can your fans look forward to from Bassie in 2026? Are there any new collaborations, projects, or performances on the horizon?
I plan to release another album, and that’s what I’m currently focusing on. I’m back in Joburg for the festive season, which may limit producers’ availability. However, I aim to begin progress and hope to unveil a new project in January or February.
As Bassie continues to evolve as an artist, her commitment to authenticity, emotion, and storytelling illustrates that her journey is just beginning.
Stream ‘Ubuya Nini’ on all digital platforms HERE.
