Puleng Phoofolo on Surviving Crash That Killed Malome Vector & Lizwi Wokuqala
Puleng Phoofolo Navigates Grief and Rebirth with New EP, Nthabiseng
Virginia, Free State – – South African singer Puleng Phoofolo is charting a path forward, both personally and professionally, following a devastating car accident in that claimed the lives of musicians Malome Vector and Lizwi Wokuqala, and their video director, Damos. Now, the artist is releasing her debut EP, Nthabiseng, a project deeply rooted in remembrance and resilience, and speaking openly about the trauma and healing process.
The accident, which occurred on the N8 road in the Free State, left Phoofolo hospitalized for nearly four months. She described the experience as profoundly life-altering, fundamentally shifting her perspective on life and perform. “Surviving that accident has changed me in so many ways,” she told Daily Sun. “It changed how I do things and how I think. Whenever I have to travel, there will always be that fear of getting into a car. But I do it with faith and say, ‘Lord, this is my work, this is my craft, this is my calling.’ I just ask God for protection.”
The emotional weight of surviving while her friends perished is a constant presence. “In all honesty, I live my life knowing anything can happen at any time,” Phoofolo shared. “I’m still asking myself how I survived that accident. The car was badly damaged. My friends died instantly and I survived. I’m still gathering the pieces because I think I’m still dealing with trauma.”
A Tribute to Her Mother, and a Reflection of Loss
Nthabiseng, released in , is named in honor of Phoofolo’s late mother, a figure she describes as her “lifelong hero.” The Afropop collection is presented as a testament to her mother’s answered prayers, a poignant offering given the recent tragedies. The EP’s creation, however, was not without its challenges. Returning to the studio without Malome Vector and Lizwi Wokuqala proved particularly tough.
“Going back to studio without Malome and the team was not straightforward. It will never be easy. When I’m in studio, I can still hear Malome saying, ‘Let’s try this instead.’ Lizwi would bring a different idea. Working with them made my artistic life smooth. Even though I have a strong team now, they are irreplaceable. Their opinions added value to my craft,”
The loss extends beyond creative collaboration; it’s a deeply personal grief that Phoofolo acknowledges fluctuates in intensity. “Grief is brutal,” she explained. “One day you feel strong, the next day you’re bursting into tears. Some days you aim for to be alone. Other days you want to be around people and try to forget. But I have people who look up to me and anticipate my work. I had to travel back to studio, even brokenhearted, and pour my emotions into the microphone.”
A Harrowing Account of the Accident and its Aftermath
Phoofolo recounted the details of the accident, recalling a tyre burst and the driver’s struggle to maintain control of the vehicle. She described a harrowing moment of realizing the car was sliding underneath a truck, a moment she faced by closing her eyes. The aftermath was equally traumatic. She recalled witnessing someone filming Malome Vector at the scene and being ignored when she asked for help due to shortness of breath.
Initial treatment at a public hospital proved insufficient, and she was discharged despite a severely swollen hip. Subsequent complications led to the discovery of four blood clots, requiring emergency surgery and leaving her with a prominent scar on her thigh – a physical reminder of the ordeal.
Looking Ahead: New Music and Continued Healing
Despite the ongoing pain and trauma, Phoofolo remains focused on her music and her future. She revealed plans for a collaboration with a prominent male artist from the Free State, as well as a forthcoming gospel EP. “A lot is happening this year. A lot is in the pipeline,” she stated.
Phoofolo’s story is a testament to the power of resilience and the enduring spirit of creativity in the face of unimaginable loss. Her return to music, marked by the release of Nthabiseng, is not simply a comeback, but a continuation of a journey marked by grief, healing, and a renewed commitment to her craft. The EP serves as both a tribute to those she lost and a beacon of hope for the future.