WOMAD

Rebecca Malope

From South Africa

Biography by andy Morgan, July 2002:Showbiz is gruelling, anywhere in the world, but if you happen to be female, black and living in South Africa then you have to be tougher than tough to survive. Rebecca Malope is South Africa’s biggest selling artist and Nelson Mandela’s favourite singer but her road to fame and fortune was paved with trials and tribulations. Born over thirty years ago in a little rural township near the Kruger National Park, Rebecca hit the road at the age of 21 with her sister Cynthia and hitched a ride to the bright lights of Johannesburg. After winning a talent contest she recorded her first CD, ‘Rebecca’, with producer Sizwe Zake, a partnership which has lasted to this day. The CD went ballistic, hit the top of the charts and Malope’s small frame and big generous heart became regular features in the South African music scene. In 1995 her CD ‘Shwele Baba’ sold more than a 100,000 copies in three weeks and became the fastest selling platter in South African showbiz history. A year later Rebecca lost her father, brother and sister in tragic circumstances and this harrowing experience prompted her to leave her old pop persona behind and become a fully fledged gospel singer. The switch was no cinch, but determination, hard work and persistence paid off. Rebecca is now hailed as the Queen of South African gospel and over the past decade she has toured all over southern Africa, winning several major awards along the way. Gospel is fuelled by the certainty that the spirit can triumph over adversity, that love can conquer fear and despair. There can be few people more qualified to bring the good news than Rebecca Malope.Short biography 2002:Rebecca’s incredibly prolific career spans 19 albums as she constantly adapts her style to move with the times, staying one step ahead of her many imitators. She retains her crown as Africa’s radiant, dynamic and rather fabulous first lady of gospel.