A vocal talent with ability to deliver a memorable performance, Bulawayo’s pop princess, Bhekiwe Dube is an artist that everyone should be taking note of. Delivering a musical alchemy that blends together pop and RnB, with an underlying soulfulness, the singer’s music tends to be very easy on the ear. Making her musical debut in 2019 with the single “Secret Feeling,” Bhekiwe’s music has always been seeped in sensual storytelling.
While certainly still in the dawn of her career, the singer has been making daring strides on some the country’s grandest stages. 2024 kicked off with a performance at the NAMA Awards – sharing the stage such names as Tamy Moyo and Baba Harare, then came a performance at Shoko Festival and a feature on the festival’s debut compilation – Mashoko Tapes (collaborating with RayKaz, Dingo Duke & Dough Major), and all along the way were appearances at various events such as Shebeen Fest.
To cap off the year, the singer released her debut EP, ANGEL24. The 6 track project is a small gift from the artist as she builds up to the release of her debut album, yet the music doesn’t sound unfinished or rushed. It is an ode to Bhekiwe’s 20s that’s centred around stories of love and life lessons.
“I always make an effort to put feeling into my music and ANGEL24 is full of so much expression and heart. It allowed me to bring different genres together, make them my own, while being vulnerable and confident at the same time.” – Bhekiwe
Wrapped in velvety vocals, ANGEL24 oscillates between pop and RnB, with amapiano influenced production that’s easy on the ear. Bhekiwe’s confidence in herself and an understanding of what she deserves underlies almost every lyric on this EP. The opener, ALI, is an anthem of self belief that sets the tone of everything that comes next. It speaks to a preordained greatness, that Bhekiwe will strive by all means to achieve.
From there ANGEL24 delves into desire with TEMPTED TO TOUCH, an almost sensual track that brings to mind moments of intense attraction. Boy Nino joins her for TRY, a song which is inclined towards heartbreak but asks for the relationship to be given one chance. The duet has a certain sense of yearning to it, that’s complimented by song’s soulful vocals and the Bulawayo rapper’s verse is the icing on the cake.
TOO FINE is an expression of Bhekiwe realising her self worth and this confidence cascades into vulnerability as BROWN OCEAN comes next. While an odd pairing, the two sides of herself the singer shares feel complimentary rather than contrary. As the JUST B, the OUTRO plays (a monologue by the singer), the thinking behind the music is laid bare. A story of both conflict and beauty, an ode to a turbulent 20s yet with light at the end of the tunnel.
ANGEL24 is available across all major streaming platforms.
