Mqiki will perform alongside a handpicked group of top artists from countries including Australia, Argentina and Singapore. She will be sharing her music with listeners and viewers who will be tuning in from across the globe to watch her live stream from the roof of the Fugard Theatre in Cape Town.

Kicking off at 08:00 South African time, LoveBusk is billed as a low-fi net festival with a big heart, and Mqiki joins the impressive line-up of musicians and inspiring speakers such as Kevin Johansen (Argentina), Ash Grunwald (Australia) and Emmanuel Jal (South Sudan) who will busk live from wherever they are in the world – their home, studio, on tour, anywhere with an internet connection. As with real life buskers, the audience will tip, but the tips earned by the artistst go to their chosen charity or cause, and the festival’s 'for purpose' project - building a home for and with abandoned children in Uganda.

Born and raised in Port Elizabeth, the multi-award-winning Mqiki has been making waves in the music scene for the last few years. She released two albums with her band Take Note, and performed with them at the Joy of Jazz in 2011. She went solo in 2013, and has subsequently shared the stage with Sibongile Khumalo, The Soil, Phutuma, Khaya Mhlangu and many more. In 2015 she won a Gold Ovation Award at the National Arts Festival. She was subsequently invited to perform at the Cape Town Fringe Festival, and will be showcased on the NAF Arena in July this year.

In both 2014 and 2015 she travelled to Sweden and performed at the World Culture Music Club, where she was featured as one of Africa’s best. Her talent has also received official recognition and in 2015 she received the Eastern Cape MEC’s award for Best Individual Performer of the Year. Mqiki and her seven piece band, The Cats, will be in the studio in April recording her first solo album.

Mqiki has chosen the Eastern Cape Gay and Lesbian Association (ECGLA) as her LoveBusk 'for purpose' partner. As a result, 50% of all tipping dollars she earns will go to them. The ECGLA provide a local community service providing support groups for people living with HIV/Aids, voluntary testing for HIV and Sexually Transmitted Infections, a help line and counselling service. ECGLA also works with others organisations that work in advocacy, health transformation and public education, including homophobia workshops to educate youth.

Mqiki says: “I’m really excited to play LoveBusk. It will be my first online festival and I think it is an amazing opportunity to showcase my music to an international audience, raise funds for a cause close to my heart, and participate alongside some incredible artists.”

LoveBusk will stream live on Sunday, 20 March. Mqiki is expected to perform at 10:15 South African time. To watch, fans simply have to log in to www.lovebusk.com on their preferred device and purchase Lovebusk Tip Dollars. The minimum amount is AU$5 – about R60. Armed with these Tip Dollars, fans can then enjoy the LoveBusk experience and distribute tips to their favourite artists and speakers. Along with the livestreaming on the day, fans will be able to live chat with performers, making it a unique interactive experience.

For more information, visit www.lovebusk.com. Alternatively, connect with Asanda Mqiki on Facebook or on Twitter.