Pilani Bubu

Immerse yourselves into the intriguing world of the Indelible Storyteller; Pilani Bubu (www.pilanibubu.com). A singer-songwriter, poet, TV Presenter, founder & curator of the Folklore Festival (www.folklorecommunity.co.za)

Over the last 15 years, Pilani has had a prolific solo-music career as an independent artist with 7 album releases, gracing the stages of more than 19 countries around the world,multiple awards and accolades and is praised for her incredible stage presence and intentional storytelling. Her pure & angelic voice resonates with a great sense of clarity & articulation and the music is a vibrant fusion of jazz, folk, soul, interweaved with poetry and spoken word. She is story-led as she continues to explore alternative sounds in nuRnB & dance music to build on her conceptual and considered narratives, showcasing her versatile artistry. She embodies purposeful swag and spunk.

Each album takes listeners on an extraordinary & original journey through her own lived experience. From the heartfelt melodies of ‘Journey of a Heart (2012)’ to the empowering funky rhythms of ‘Warrior of Light (2016)’, and the nostalgic African folk tales of ‘Folklore Chapter 1 (2019) which has garnered her recognition, including the prestigious accolade of Best African Adult Contemporary Album at the South African Music Awards in 2020.

Even with the chaos of a global pandemic, Pilani's unyielding creative spirit released ‘Lockdown Lovestory (2022)’ a cathartic album that captured the essence of love amidst uncertain times, providing a space for reflection and reconciliation for her fans. Followed by her collaborative album ‘Konke (2023)’ with Kenyan producer ‘AfroNautiq’,which explores her own artistic journey & creative pursuit & how these affect her ‘inner world.’

In ‘Folklore Chapter 2: Ekuseni (2023)’ she delves even deeper into ancient wisdom, sharing a personal story of her ancestors, their rituals, her rites, their gifts, her inheritances, and the relationship there between. Invoking melodies that transport listeners to the ethereal realms of African spirituality.

Her latest offering Nay’Indaba, is a sonic odyssey reflecting on South Africa’s history and contemplating 30 years of Freedom through the prism of strong women. Over the course of the album's eight tracks, it explores in depth South Africa's complex history and social ills, whilst sharing a positive story of the ongoing struggle against inequality, youth unemployment and poverty. Rooted in the magnetic atmosphere and memories of this country, the result is a musicality that is both psychedelic and ferocious. The album is a collaboration with the French trans-oriental jazz-rock band; Marthe, which has recently been awarded the Best International Jazz Album Collaboration at the Mzansi Music Awards in August 2026.

Other collaborations include her mini orchestra piece 'Hopes Springing High’- Still I Rise with Maya Angelou and the esteemed Caged Bird Legacy LLC. Contributions to Bikutsi 300 by Cameroon’s talented guitarist and vocalist Blick Bassy, with the song Abantwana.Other displays of resonance have included 4 sync deals on Netflix with her songs on The Brave Ones: with Ufuna Bani, Abantwana, and The Polygamist with Free and Qula Kwedini.

Her early childhood musical career started at the age of 9, playing in flute, marimba & string ensembles, youth orchestras as well as singing in school, regional & university choirs well into her university & corporate career.

Pilani’s mission to take South African stories and music across the world, has seen her touring and performing dominantly across the African Continent, East & Central Europe, the United Kingdom, United States, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Mozambique, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Romania, Switzerland, and Netherlands. At prestigious stages like Love Supreme (UK), Tropical Pressure (UK), Jazz A Vienne (FR), Cully Jazz Festival (CH), Musique Mettise (FR) Ploiesti Jazz Festival (Romania), Fete de La Musique (SA), Live in Accra Jazz Festival (Ghana), Jazz Dock (CZ), Drum Beat Festival (SA) & Standard Bank Joy of Jazz (SA), Sauti Za Busara (TZ), just to name a few.


Pilani Bubu's mission is to leave an indelible mark on the world.