Sibongile Buda, known as Ms Buda Bass, is a Mamelodi-born, South African performing artist. She is a bassist, composer, music teacher, band conductor, founder and programme Director. Her passion for music is traced back to her grandmother who plays an African drum in church; her love for music emanates from growing up in a musical background following on her grandmother’s footsteps. This led to a discovery of a music programme known as Committed Artist for Cultural Advancement (CAFCA) through childhood friends.
Sibongile is currently working as a music teacher at CAFCA, which focuses on enhancement of music skills to children from disadvantaged communities. She is a founder and programme director of a female-led organisation – Jazz Camp for Female Instrumentalists Mamelodi (JCFI) – the purpose of which is to groom and empower females with artistic skills from an early age and to provide a platform for female artists to showcase their talent.
As director and host of the weekly Global JazzWomen Hang, Buda has co-produced three online concerts and an in-person festival, and continues to seek out and connect women from around the world in a new international community of support.