Johannesburg singer-songwriter Tsholofelo has released Burning Bush, an album rooted in grief, self-discovery and healing. The project, out 8 May 2026, marks a distinct shift in her sound and creative process.
A Record Born from Transformation
Discussing the title track, Tsholofelo described a profound personal change during its creation. “It was such a transformative thing because I really felt like something in me was changing,” she said. “For a while I couldn’t play Burning Bush without breaking down.”
The album emerged from a period of deep difficulty. During the COVID-19 pandemic, while mourning the loss of her uncle, Tsholofelo considered leaving music behind. That experience inspired the reflective song Past Two Years, which she now views as a turning point.
Renewed Purpose Through Support
Shortly after returning to songwriting, Tsholofelo learned she had been awarded a grant from the Southern African Music Rights Organisation (SAMRO) Music Creation Support Fund. She said the recognition renewed her motivation to continue making music.
Themes of grief, self-discovery, faith, love and personal growth run throughout Burning Bush, which departs from her earlier work both sonically and emotionally. Rather than polished production, the album prioritises honest, unfiltered storytelling, with vulnerability placed at its centre.
Bringing the Album to the Stage
Tsholofelo is now preparing to take the record on tour. “It feels like a challenge, but the exciting kind,” she said of recreating the album’s atmosphere live. She hopes the performances will foster a sense of collective participation. “Another thing that I’m excited about is encouraging other people to participate in the music, because with Burning Bush, I always imagined it to feel like a communal experience.”
The tour is expected to begin in Johannesburg in September 2026, with additional performances planned for Durban and Cape Town. Dates and venues have yet to be confirmed.
