Babalwa M recently sat down with Newzroom Afrika to discuss her latest album “Pisces” and her professional and personal relationship with fellow artist Kelvin Momo. During the interview, she provided insights into the album’s creation and how she and Kelvin manage to balance their personal lives with their music careers.
Babalwa M revealed that the album “Pisces” was originally intended for release in February to coincide with her star sign. However, due to unforeseen delays, the release was pushed back. “The music was already ready,” she explained, “so I decided to drop it even if it was meant to be released a few months ago.”
When asked about rumors of marriage to Kelvin Momo, she laughed and clarified, “No.” She went on to describe their working relationship, highlighting how their mutual passion for music makes it easier to separate personal and professional spheres. “We live and breathe music in the house,” she said, confirming that they do live together.
Discussing their creative process, Babalwa M noted that both she and Kelvin Momo bring unique elements to their music. “Because he’s been here longer than I have, we like listening to jazz music, so I think that whole jazzy feel brings us together,” she shared. This shared love for jazz influences their collaborative efforts, blending with their signature sounds.
Babalwa M delved deeper into the concept behind “Pisces,” emphasizing her desire for listeners to get to know her beyond her previous work. “With Pisces, I actually wanted people to know me more. I’ve dropped my first EP before, but people still didn’t know who I really am,” she said. The album features an introduction that veers away from straight Amapiano, reflecting her interest in exploring other genres.
“The music is a fusion of Afro, a bit of R&B, and a bit of jazz,” Babalwa M explained. She aims to showcase her versatility as a vocalist, hoping listeners will recognize her ability to span multiple genres. “I want people to know me as a vocalist and not just an Amapiano vocalist because I’m pretty much doing everything in the studio. I’m exploring a lot of other genres.”
Babalwa M’s work is characterized by its emotive and danceable qualities, often capturing the joyful, celebratory spirit of South Africa’s vibrant music scene. While primarily known for her electronic music, she incorporates jazz, hip hop, and kwaito elements into her compositions, showcasing her broad musical range and deep artistic expression.
