Gloria Bosman Biography: Husband, Age, Death, Albums, Net Worth, Parents, Songs & Awards, Partner

Gloria Bosman was a revered South African jazz, gospel, and rock vocalist, composer, and educator whose soulful performances captivated audiences worldwide.

Born in 1972 in Soweto, she rose from church choirs to become a multi-award-winning artist, celebrated for her powerful voice and socially conscious lyrics.

Her legacy endures through her music and mentorship until her passing in 2023.

Profile

• Full Name: Letta Nontokozo Mbulu
• Stage Name: Letta Mbulu
• Born: 1972
• Age: 50 (at the time of her passing on March 14, 2023)
• Birthplace: Mofolo, Soweto, Johannesburg, South Africa
• Nationality: South African
• Occupation: South African Singer, Songwriter, Composer, Producer, Vocal Coach, Music Educator
• Height: 5 feet 7 inches (approx.)
• Parents: George Bosman and Victoria Bosman
• Siblings: Siyabulela Abram Bosman, Madodanele David Bosman, Vuyiswa Bosman
• Spouse: Noxolo Hlatshwayo
• Children:
• Relationship: Engaged
• Net Worth: $500,000

Early Life and Education

Gloria Bosman was born in 1972 in Mofolo, Soweto, and raised in nearby Pimville. Growing up in a musical family, she was shaped by her father, George Bosman, a saxophonist with the Brooklyn Brothers, and her mother, Victoria Bosman, a singer.

With siblings Siyabulela, Madodanele, and Vuyiswa, Gloria found her voice early, singing in a Soweto church choir. Her passion for jazz blossomed in her youth, influenced by her family’s musical heritage.

In 1993, her standout performance in a Market Theatre production earned her a scholarship to study opera at Pretoria Technikon (now Tshwane University of Technology), where she honed her vocal skills. Her ethnicity was South African, and she practiced Christianity.

Career

Gloria Bosman, a distinguished singer and songwriter, began her professional journey in 1994 as a backing and later lead vocalist for Mango Groove, touring extensively until 1998. Her solo career launched with Tranquillity (1999), produced by Paul Hanmer, which won the SAMA Best Newcomer Award.

Subsequent albums, including The Many Faces of Gloria Bosman (2001), Stop and Think (2002), Nature’s Dance (2004), Emzini (2006), and Letters from the Heart Vol. 1 (2010), showcased her ability to blend jazz, soul, gospel, and traditional South African sounds.

Known for her electrifying stage presence, she performed at major festivals like KKNK, Aardklop, and the Joy of Jazz in Sandton, and toured globally in London, Amsterdam, Australia, and South America.

Bosman collaborated with icons like Hugh Masekela, Sibongile Khumalo, Sipho Mabuse, and Oliver Mtukudzi, and featured in musicals such as Jubilee, The Lion and the Lamb, and African Songbook (2010). She also appeared in Porgy & Bess and Mandela Trilogy, earning Naledi Award nominations.

As a vocal coach and educator at Market Theatre Lab, FUBA, and Eastside College, she mentored young talent. In 2020, she contributed to the book Joburg Noir, and in 2022, she joined the SAMRO Board, cementing her influence in South African music.

Social Media

• Instagram Handle: @gloriabosman
• Facebook Handle: Gloria Bosman
• Twitter Handle: @gloriabosman1

Personal Life

Gloria Bosman, a beloved singer and songwriter, was born and raised in Soweto, South Africa. She was engaged to Noxolo Hlatshwayo, a South African musician and filmmaker, at the time of her passing on March 14, 2023, after a short illness.

The couple, who performed together at the Joy of Jazz concert in Sandton, had a deep bond. Gloria had no biological children but regarded her niece, Masedi, the daughter of her late sister Vuyiswa, as her own, nurturing her musical talent.

Masedi released a debut single in 2018, inspired by Gloria’s mentorship. Known for her warmth and generosity, Gloria broke barriers by performing at Afrikaans festivals and contributing to Al Daai Jazz, a project reinterpreting Afrikaans songs.

Her commitment to social issues, including apartheid and gender-based violence, shone through her music. She passed away at age 50, leaving a profound void in the music community.

Filmography

• Soul City (TV series, guest appearance)
• Muvhango (TV series, guest appearance)
• Theatrical productions: Jubilation, The Lion and the Lamb, African Songbook (2010), Porgy & Bess (2011), Mandela Trilogy (2012)

Discography

• Tranquillity (1999)
• The Many Faces of Gloria Bosman (2001)
• Stop and Think (2002)
• Nature’s Dance (2004)
• Emzini (2006)
• Letters from the Heart Vol. 1 (2010)
• Lefatshe La Mokgweetsi (2003)
• Notable singles: “Play Me the Love Songs,” “Amaqwati,” “Too Much Heaven,” “Slowly”

Net Worth

Gloria Bosman, a trailblazing singer and songwriter, had an estimated net worth of $500,000 at the time of her passing. Her earnings stemmed from her music career, including album sales, live performances, and international tours.

Additional income came from her music production company, vocal coaching, and appearances in musicals and on television.