Her song has gone viral on TikTok and earned her a seat in the South African music industry. Rising star ChubbyCheeks, real name is Mbali Buthelezi, has reached an incredible milestone in her blossoming career by achieving gold status for her debut single Kuyabongwa. 

A LIFE-CHANGING SONG

The accomplishment comes within just six months of the song's release and coincides with the talented singer, songwriter, and producer's 18th birthday. "The catchy chorus of the song Kuyabongwa is an old traditional song that we used to sing emicimbini yesintu (traditional ceremonies),' ChubbyCheeks tells ZiMoja. "I came across it on social media, I then decided to do a cover of it and people on TikTok demanded a release of the song,' she says. "So as the chorus says, 'Mntanami Kuyabongwa, Seku'bongwa okuncane kubongwe nok'khulu. Mntanami Kuyabongwa Seku'bongwa Omncane Kubongwe Omkhulu.' It teaches people to give thanks and also appreciate every little thing that they have because not everything comes easy in life. This song is to remind us that we must forever be grateful for everything.'

THE NAME CHUBBYCHEEKS

On her journey to gold status, ChubbyCheeks expressed her gratitude to those who have supported her thus far. "I am beyond grateful for everyone's love and support. This achievement wouldn't have been possible without my incredible team, my family, my friends, and most importantly, my fans. Thank you all for believing in me." Hailing from the Vaal in Gauteng, ChubbyCheeks is in Grade 12, and recently celebrated her 18th birthday and has more reasons to be proud of her accomplishments. She got the name ChubbyCheeks in Primary School. "I used to get bullied in primary school. I was called names because I was a chubby girl. So, I then decided to call myself ChubbyCheeks to embrace my chubbiness,' she says. "This was to also increase my self-esteem and confidence in terms of how I feel and to overcome the fear of being called names.'

 A BRIGHT FUTURE

With a promising career ahead of her and the support of a growing fan base behind her every step of the way, there is no doubt that we can expect great things from this young artist in the years to come. Coming from a strict yet loving family, ChubbyCheeks has two sisters and two brothers from her late father, Solomon Khulekani Buthelezi, and Mother Anna Tsebo Buthelezi. "My dad was a preacher, and my mom is still a preacher at St John Apostolic Faith Mission, basically I'm a preacher kid,' she says. She grew up listening to Gospel music. "I've always loved music from a very young age. I don't think I ever got into music, music got me, and it lived in me. I realised it was my passion in Grade 1.' The rising star still hopes to work with artists Simmy, Msaki, Azana, Sun-El-Musician, and Samthing Soweto.