Bassie has become one of the most recognizable voices in Amapiano, captivating listeners with heartfelt songs about love, heartbreak, and life’s many emotions. Yet, while fans know her for chart-topping hits and unforgettable collaborations, the 26-year-old singer, born Basetsana Maluleke, is also pursuing another passion – teaching.
In a candid conversation with Sowetan, Bassie opened up about the realities of balancing a growing music career with her teaching studies and practicals, revealing a side of her life that many fans rarely get to see.
When asked who Bassie is when the stage lights go off, the singer laughed before admitting that exhaustion is currently part of her daily reality. “Right now? She’s tired. I’m doing my teaching practicals, and I’m tired of waking up at 5am. For the past six weeks, it’s been teaching, sleeping, waking up early and doing it all over again,” she said.
Despite her success in music, Bassie remains determined to complete her studies. “Because [a career in] music is not guaranteed. I feel I might be the first person at home to graduate, which would be a nice achievement. Beyond that, I’ve always wanted a qualification because this industry can be unpredictable,” said Bassie.
She spoke about how she balances the two of music and being a teacher and she said, “I don’t know if balance is the right word. It’s hard. My weekdays are spent teaching and preparing lessons. Then over the weekends I’m travelling for gigs.
Sometimes I’ll perform all weekend and then fly back on Monday morning and head straight to school. It’s not glamorous.”
Her teaching practicals have also taught her valuable lessons. “Patience. I’m teaching grade 1 learners, so you have to find creative ways to keep them engaged. Their attention spans are very short,” she said.
She also spoke about whether she sees herself as a full-time teacher and she answered, “Possibly. It all depends on where my music career goes, but I genuinely enjoy teaching and I like knowing that I have options.”
Financial security is important and she opened up about it and said, “Being an artist is scary. You can make money for a few months, and then the next six months are quiet. Meanwhile, life doesn’t stop. Rent still needs to be paid. Medical aid still needs to be paid. Having another stream of income gives me peace of mind.”
Beyond the classroom and the stage, Bassie mentions what she does for fun. “I’ve recently started painting on canvas. They’re not very good right now, but we’re getting there. I also love cooking and trying out new recipes,” she said excitingly.
Bassie recently released “Ngikhumbula” alongside Soa Mattrix and she mentioned that is one of the songs she listens on repeat. “Ngikhumbula by Soa Mattrix and me.”
So waking about the inspiration of the song she said, “It’s about missing a moment rather than missing a person. It’s looking back on a relationship and remembering how happy you were during that specific time. The honeymoon phase. The freedom.
The feeling of being in love. You’re not necessarily saying you want the person back. You’re just reminiscing.”
The collaboration is another example of the effortless creative chemistry she shares with the producer. “It’s effortless. With Soa, I don’t even take 30 minutes to write a song. We sit down and talk, and somehow everything falls into place. We’re comfortable around each other and understand each other’s creative language.”
She also spoke about why makes her happy and she said, “Singing and writing. That’s where I process everything. My emotions, frustrations and experiences. Once I’ve written about something and sung it, it’s out of my system.”
Bassie is a hopeless romantic and she spoke what makes her one. “I believe in people. I love people the way I want to be loved, and sometimes that gets me into trouble because not everyone loves the same way, but I don’t think I’ll ever stop believing in love.” “I like a man who is kind to everyone around them.” – Bassie
She also opens up about the ideal partner she likes. “Kind. Thoughtful. Generous. And not just towards me. I like people who are kind to everyone around them. I like a soft man,” she said.
She speaks about her biggest career lessons and she said, “the business side of music. I used to think royalties were just royalties. Then I realised there are different streams of income and different types of royalties. Artists need to ask questions and understand their business because this is our work and our property.”
Whether she’s in the classroom inspiring young learners or on stage moving crowds with her voice, Bassie continues to prove that success can come from pursuing more than one dream.
