Mbali Rose, a scientist turned songstress, dropped her debut single ‘Gold Dust’ to celebrate Freedom Day on April 27
Image: Supplied
Durban-born, Mbali Rose, marked Freedom Day with the release of her debut single Gold Dust.
Rose, a scientist-turned-musician, says the track was crafted by award-winning South African producer, Ebrahim Mallum. The album pulses with Afro-pop energy and serves as a vibrant soundtrack to the younger generation’s vision of freedom – bold, joyful, and unapologetically authentic.
Rose’s musical journey is anything but conventional.
After an eight-year break from music, she reignited her creative flame while working as a scientist in Nashville, Tennessee in the USA. Inspired by the city’s vibrant songwriter rounds, she began writing music again, combining her indie, folk, Afrofusion, and pop influences with self-taught guitar skills. What followed was a cross-continental evolution of sound and soul, leading her back home to South Africa, where she joined the Beyond Busking Project, a pioneering initiative of the Cape Town Arts Festival, in collaboration with Ariva Arts Foundation.
“Coming into the Beyond Busking Project as a scientist trying to rediscover my musical voice, I found the space to lean into the creative, joyful side of music and of myself,” she said. “I’m so grateful to the incredible team who helped bring the vision of my single Gold Dust to life. From the songwriting, guitar and vocal workshops to the mentorship and the chance to work with a world-class producer, it’s been a deeply affirming experience. To have my ideas and talent nurtured to the point where I can release a song was truly a transformative experience.”
The single itself is more than just music – it’s a celebration of inner power, Rose said, adding that it’s about reclaiming the playful, bold, and magical parts of ourselves that we often suppress, and letting them shine unapologetically.
"It’s a reminder that freedom isn’t something we find outside of ourselves. It lives within us," she said.
Mallum adds his signature touch to every artist's album and has shaped the careers of artists across Africa and beyond, including industry heavyweights like Loyiso Bala, Craig Lucas, Zolani, Jimmy Nevis, and Paxton. His rhythmic sensibilities and Afro-fusion textures gave Rose’s debut single a sound grounded in heritage and glowing with modernity.
Lynne Holmes, the Creative Director of Ariva Arts Foundation and Programme Director for the Beyond Busking Project, said Rose brings a refreshing, heartfelt energy to the music scene.
“Her uplifting sound and message are a breath of fresh air – exactly what the industry needs right now. With a scientific mind and an artistic heart, Mbali stands at the crossroads of curiosity and creativity – her Freedom Day debut is just the beginning,” said Holmes.
Mbali Rose
Image: Supplied