'When I'm sleeping, there's a song in my head I really want to bring out' - Letta Mbulu

702's Clement Manyathela hosts legendary musician Letta Mbuli.

Listen below:

She's what the younger generation might refer to as 'The G.O.A.T'... The Greatest Of All Time.

Born and raised in Orlando East, Soweto, Letta Mbulu has been entertaining audiences for more than 50 years.

Having discovered her love for jazz at just 13, the singer would spend only a few more years on home soil before apartheid forced her into exile at the age of 21.

Despite spending nearly 30 years away from South Africa, Mbulu never stopped creating music that spoke of freedom, hope, and justice. 

And now, at almost 82 years old, could it be time for Mam'Letta to slow down?

"Right now? I'm retiring. I don't want to sing anymore, I just want to watch other people do it."

- Letta Mbulu, Musician

But while Mam'Letta may plan on giving her vocal chords a rest, she's not putting her creativity to bed just yet.

She has a desire, she says, to write for other artists.

"I have songs I would like to hear other people sing."

- Letta Mbulu, Musician

But before fans become melancholy about the veteran singer's potential exit from the stage, it's worth noting that the octogenarian says it's very difficult to get out of the business.

"[If I stop singing], I definitely won't have peace. I mean, it's bothering me every day... when I'm sleeping, there's a song in my head I really want to bring out."

- Letta Mbulu, Musician