Mdantsane radio personality Silulami “Slujah” Bunu has turned his pain into power after surviving a near-death experience and battling with depression, with the release of his first extended play (EP) offering.
After surviving potentially fatal accidents, including a head-on collision with a drunk driver, as well as other challenges, Bunu was inspired to create Hamba Nathi (Go with us), a soulful blend of comforting and heartfelt sounds.
After releasing a string of singles, Bunu decided to focus on his radio career in 2017, though still creating music behind the scenes.
Two of the songs on his EP, Hamba Nathi, and Ndize, are already receiving traction on local radio waves.
“Hamba Nathi is a gospel amapiano song.
“The lyrics say Hamba nathi Nkosi, ngoba bufikile ubu mnyama, hamba nathi kule ndlela Thixo ndiyaku cela [Go with us God, because darkness has come, go with us on this journey God, I am asking you please].
“The second song is Ndize [Can I come], a love song that talks about a couple in a long-distance relationship and who wish they were beside each other.
“People are loving the EP and have said this is what they have been waiting for,” Bunu said.
Being involved in a second harrowing car accident had pushed him to return to the recording booth, he said.
“I was involved in a head-on collision with a drunk driver on January 28 2024, while on my way back to Gqeberha.
“The accident happened near Ngqushwa.
“I was returning from my work responsibilities.
“I had just shown my mother my new Polo that I had bought eight days before the accident.
“I regained consciousness five hours after the accident in a hospital or a clinic in Peddie.
“The driver of that vehicle died, that is why the first song in the EP is Hamba Nathi.
“The second talks about love, the third song, Ndikhusele [Protect me] talks about protection,” Bunu said.
Suffering a dislocated spinal-cord disc was among the serious injuries he sustained.
Struggling with depression during his recovery made him lean on his faith in God, instilled in him by his later father, who was a pastor.
“During the time I was in hospital, my relationship with God grew.
“When I was able to walk again, every morning at 5am, I would go outside to listen to gospel music and pray.
“In my ward, I thought is this all that I would be leaving behind for people.
“Music is only a part of the things I want to do, not only for myself, but for other people.
“I believe in giving other people a chance, even in this project there are a couple of young guys involved that are unknown in the province.”
The Herald
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