17-06-2025
Five minutes with rising star Lunga on how Zola 7 and Sun-El Musician took him out of homelessness
Mondli Lunga Dladla, better known as Lunga, is looking to cement his name in the music scene and will stop at nothing to do so.
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.'
