Five minutes with rising star Lunga on how Zola 7 and Sun-El Musician took him out of homelessness
In pursuit of his musical dreams, Lunga, who hails from eNdwedwe (eBhamshela) in KwaZulu-Natal, moved to Johannesburg with his friend Lethulight facing challenges, including homelessness after being kicked out of Lethulight's uncle's house.
Together they spent nights at McDonald's, taking shifts to avoid being thrown out. Their struggle and perseverance caught the attention of Zola 7, who offered them accommodation in Westdene in 2017.
Despite these challenges, Lunga's determination never wavered. In 2019, financial difficulties forced him to return home, but shortly after Sun-El Musician invited him back to Johannesburg. This led to collaborations with top artists.
With the release of his latest single Ngeke Sizwe Ngawe, Lunga is poised to take his career to new heights.
TshisaLIVE spoke to the award-winning artist about his musical journey and more.
You've spoken candidly about your struggles with mental health and struggles when you were homeless. What inspired you to put it in song?
Ngeke Sizwe Ngawe is a message to anyone who's felt invisible or unheard. This song came from a place of deep reflection. It's a reminder that not everyone will understand your journey — and that's OK. It was my way of saying, 'you might not hear me, but I'm still here and I'm still standing'.
'There were moments when I was sleeping in a McDonald's with my brother Lethulight, taking turns to rest just so we wouldn't get kicked out. I felt rejected and unseen, but God kept me going, and people such as Zola 7 who gave us shelter at our lowest, reminded me someone believed in me.'
Hailing from eBhamshela in eNdwedwe, KwaZulu-Natal, how would you say your upbringing shaped you to be the man and the artist you are today?
'eBhamshela gave me my soul. Watching my mom sing in the Lundi Choral Choir taught me the power of melody, harmony and honesty. That place gave me everything.'
How did working with respected names such as Sino Msolo, Given Zulu and Kenza affect your career?
'Working with artists of that calibre pushes you to elevate your craft. It's helped me become more intentional — vocally and sonically.'
What is in the pipeline for Lunga and how do you see your career growing?
'No matter where you're from, your pain and your joy matter. That's the message I want to carry with me across the continent. I want them to see how far their love carried me.'
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
TimesLIVE
2 days ago
- TimesLIVE
DJ Shimza performs at Tomorrowland despite stage fire chaos
South African DJ Shimza has officially ticked off a major milestone in his music career performing at Tomorrowland in Belgium, despite a massive fire just days before that threatened to derail his dream. Shimza was scheduled to perform on Friday at the iconic electronic music festival. But just two days earlier, tragedy struck when the festival's main stage, the Orbyz stage, was gutted by fire during final preparations. No injuries were reported. Fans and followers were left in suspense as reports emerged suggesting that Shimza's slot could be at risk due to the uncertainty around the stage rebuild and rescheduling. Speaking to TshisaLIVE ahead of the festival, insiders expressed concern that the fire might result in performance cancellations or reshuffles. Shimza himself had not publicly confirmed whether his set would go ahead, fuelling anxiety among Mzansi supporters who have championed his global rise.
TimesLIVE
3 days ago
- TimesLIVE
Metro FM's DJ Jawz talks Strictly Vinyl Throwback party
DJ Jawz is building up to the Strictly Vinyl Throwback party. Itumeleng Sebola, better known as DJ Jawz, will showcase his DJing skills at the Strictly Vinyl Throwback party at Artistry in Sandton on July 27, also featuring Naked DJ, DJ Terance and others. Speaking to TshisaLIVE, DJ Jawz said vinyl isn't just about the sound — it's about the experience. He described vinyl as bold, with a fuller, richer sound that takes listeners on a ride. 'Vinyl feels like driving your classic Merc on a Sunday; it's smooth, nostalgic and has that raw energy. Digital is like your newer car, packed with features, but it doesn't quite have the same punch.' While both formats have their place, when it comes to creating a throwback vibe, vinyl's warmth and depth win every time, he said. DJ Jawz is known for his diverse selection of tracks and his set at the Strictly Vinyl Throwback party promises a blend of everything from soul and funk to 1990s house. 'I'm kicking things off with RnB, soul, funk and disco to get people in the groove. Then, I'll switch it up to 1990s house to keep the energy high and fresh.' Expect a mix of timeless classics and dance floor favourites that'll keep the party jumping all night. While the throwback classics are essential, DJ Jawz promises surprises for the crowd. 'I love throwing in something unexpected during my sets. It's all about keeping the crowd engaged and making sure they leave the party talking about the surprise moments that came out of nowhere.' If you're expecting the usual, get ready for some fresh, unexpected twists that will make the night more memorable.
TimesLIVE
4 days ago
- TimesLIVE
DJ Maphorisa and Tessel Lounge 2.0 management bury the hatchet
DJ Maphorisa has made his long-awaited return to Tessel Lounge 2.0in Daveton on the East Rand after a rocky relationship that saw him cancel a scheduled performance earlier this year. In an unexpected turn of events, the star DJ graced the popular venue during Scott Maphuma's Phuma Tuesday event, where he not only took to the stage but also mingled and danced with fans, signalling that any past tension between the artist and the venue has now been put to rest. His performance marked a moment of reconciliation for both DJ Maphorisa and Tessel Lounge 2.0 after the artist failed to show up for a scheduled performance in March. Fans, who were left heartbroken by his no-show, finally got the opportunity to see the hit maker in action. Sources told TshisaLIVE DJ Maphorisa was in high spirits, greeting fans and engaging with the crowd in a way that felt deeply personal. 'His energy was infectious and the performance itself was a testament to his undeniable talent. He played a mix of crowd favourites, including some of his chart-topping hits that have become anthems in the South African music scene,' said one source. Another source said: 'I think they put their differences aside to support Scott Maphuma's movement.' While his no-show in March was a sore point for many of his fans, they see DJ Maphorisa's presence at Tessel Lounge 2.0 on Tuesday as an indication that both parties are ready to move forward.
