Johannesburg – Booshle G, the rising South African folk pop artist whose music has steadily won over listeners across Eswatini, has announced the upcoming release of his new single Heavy, due on 05 December. The musician shared the update earlier today, calling on fans from across the region to join him in building anticipation. “It’s time for a new sound from Africa. ‘Heavy’ comes out on 05 Dec. Let’s make as much noise as possible,” he posted, adding that the track is now available for pre save.
With more than 278 000 monthly listeners on Spotify, Booshle’s ascent has been rapid. Yet his path into the industry was anything but conventional. At 26, he carries a story that stretches from the ministry halls of his hometown to major stages in South Africa, Zimbabwe, Europe and the UK, all shaped by years of devotion to both faith and music.
Born and raised in Kariega near Gqeberha, Booshle discovered his passion while still in high school. He grew up admiring the lyrical mastery of artists such as Nasty C, Cassper Nyovest and the late AKA. Their presence in the South African music landscape encouraged him to believe that a life in music was possible. As a teenager, he imagined himself pursuing sound engineering in Cape Town, and he was accepted into a course after matric. However, financial pressure at home forced him to put that dream aside.
Despite the setback, he did not drift far from music. Instead, he became deeply involved in his local church community. Over the next five years, he served as a youth pastor, a role he credits for shaping his artistic identity. Through worship sessions, choir leadership and long evenings spent learning instruments, he grounded himself in the melodic traditions that would later define his sound.
“Becoming a youth pastor changed my life,” he recalls. “I was extremely involved in my church. I led worship, learned to play instruments and that was what I wanted to do until I felt it was time to move to the next thing.” That next step came after he moved to Gqeberha for work. There he reconnected with a producer friend, recorded his first single and officially embarked on his professional journey.
His debut release, Find You There, came out in June last year. It captured the voice of a young man chasing a long held dream while honouring the roots that shaped him. The song’s success affirmed that his blend of folk warmth, pop charm and spiritual introspection resonated with a broad audience. “I can only say that I’ve seen God’s hand in my life in ways I can never explain. It’s been incredible ever since,” he said.
Booshle’s growing catalogue has introduced fans to a storyteller capable of blending sincerity with bright, contemporary production. Tracks like These Days, Feel Like This, Maybe I’ll Be Just Fine and Weight Off My Shoulders have earned hundreds of thousands of streams. His most streamed song so far, Jute Take Me Home, has surpassed 5.2 million plays, while Broken Heart has cleared the 2 million mark. Songs such as Kumbaya, Wander Wander, Find You There and Best Life have also contributed to his swift rise.
@booshle_gsa It’s time for a new sound from Africa! ‘Heavy’ comes out on 05 Dec😭🙌🏽 let’s make as much noise as possible! Pre-Save HEAVY 💼 link in bio. #heavy #fyp #artist #africa #folk ♬ Heavy – Booshle G.
Among these releases, Best Life stands out for its deeply personal message. The song draws on advice from his father encouraging him not to compare himself to others and to embrace the life he has. Built on energetic strings, lively percussion and Booshle’s bright, textured vocal delivery, Best Life has become a beacon of positivity for fans. The track blends folk pop with an infectious tempo, creating a mood that many listeners in Eswatini say lifts the spirit instantly.
Booshle’s influences range from gospel call-and-response, which shaped his understanding of melody and chorus, to global pop artists such as Will Linley, Dominic Fike, Anees and Neon Dreams. He initially began writing music as a rapper at age 15, but eventually found that folk and pop offered the emotional palette he needed. “As I got older I realised I resonated more with pop. There was more scope there for me to really push myself. It just felt natural,” he said.
The artist has since grown into one of the notable young voices in South Africa’s developing folk pop movement, which echoes earlier waves led by artists like Matthew Mole. His warm vocal tone, folky charm and earnest songwriting have drawn comparisons to the evolving sound of modern South African pop, which blends influences from bubblegum pop, indie, worship, amapiano and acoustic folk.
On stage, Booshle has quickly become a favourite. He has opened for Jeremy Loops and more recently joined Myles Smith on tour. Reflecting on his performance alongside the British singer, he described the experience as unforgettable. “I’ve played for big crowds before, but that night was special. Myles even came into my dressing room singing one of my songs. It makes you feel valued.”
His growing profile has also seen him travel extensively. He recently completed a tour that took him across several South African cities, Harare in Zimbabwe, and major European hubs such as Amsterdam, Berlin, Zurich, Munich, Hamburg and Cologne, before performing in London, Birmingham and Leeds in the UK. Each stop added to the story of an artist whose music continues to stretch beyond borders.
Although his career keeps expanding, Booshle has chosen to reconnect with his roots. He recently moved back home, saying he feels most inspired near family. “Maybe it’s my mother’s cooking,” he joked. Even with his growing popularity, he remains committed to his church community, continuing to serve as a youth pastor and eyeing a future gospel album.
He believes that young artists must learn who they are before they try to define their sound. “Your identity is as important as your craft. Take time to know who you are. There is no rush,” he said.
Booshle will continue performing as the year progresses, with his December lineup taking him to Port Alfred, East London, Port Elizabeth, Kenton on Sea, Plettenberg Bay, Knysna, George and Stanford. Fans across the region are eagerly anticipating his live shows, which will coincide with the release of his new single Heavy on 05 December.
Listen to Weight Off My Shoulders by Booshle G
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