‘Life is not a race, but a journey…’
He launched his debut album titled Lomgwaqo (translated as The Journey) on May 6 at the Soweto Theatre, which was sold out
‘Life is not a race, but a journey to be savoured each step of the way.’ Author unknown
Estcourt-born, Lunga Duma (27) lives by these words. The lad wears many hats; he isn’t just an upcoming musician.
Lunga is one of the founding members of Broken Stool Events Management; he is also a song writer, instrumentalist, Master of Ceremonies, chef and an entrepreneur.
He was born at the Ntabamhlophe Clinic into a family of 11 siblings, one of whom sadly passed away.
Lunga is the third born. He attended Pisgah Primary School and Madiba Comprehensive.
Lunga relocated to the West Rand in Gauteng in 2003 and finished his high school in Kagiso. He completed a course in hospitality at South West Gauteng College in 2013 and worked as a chef for two years. Thereafter he wanted to finish his academic career before furthering his music career.
He shared that one of his siblings is studying medicine in Cuba, another in studying in Mpumalanga and the rest are in Durban. Lunga describes himself as someone who loves his family, is caring, creative and God-fearing.
Lunga is a young person making a life-changing contribution to the South African music industry, in specific, the afro jazz genre.
He launched his debut album titled Lomgwaqo (translated as The Journey) on May 6 at the Soweto Theatre, which was sold out. The album launch was said to be themed around African aesthetics and sounds.
He has worked closely with Sizwe Mashinini on his tours for his debut album, as Sizwe was one of the acts at the Lomgwaqo launch. His single, also titled Lomgwaqo, which debuted in November 2015 highlights his journey from Ntabamhlophe to Johannesburg, the city of gold.
The never-ending ‘hustle’ for a better life for himself and his family, it explains every aspect in Lunga’s life, his hardships, pain, joyful moments and love in his journey thus far. The album Lomgwaqo by Lunga Duma is available on iTunes and Play Store.
A lot of hard work and plenty of gigs have helped Lunga make the waves he has in the industry. The emerging afro jazz artist brings to audiences a captivating show every time.
“I would never want to change this genre of music. With afro jazz you are linked to so many other genres and it is my focus. If I decide to change, I would do gospel but with a twist of afro jazz, ” explained Lunga.
The bigger plan for Lunga is to grow his music and himself as brand, to write for other artists as well as pen theatrical plays. His first radio interview was in 2016. He has previously been interviewed on Oneal Africa Experience with Touch Central Online Radio.
His biggest influences include his talented father and family. His musical influences are oldies like Jabu Khanyile, Mariam Makeba, Letha Mbuli, Ringo Madlingozi and young musicians such as Afrotraction. In Lunga’s spare time he enjoys playing soccer and spending quality time with family and friends and plays the piano.
“I know what it is like but your time will come, never give up and believe in God’s timing,”this message Lunga wants to share with the youth in and around Estcourt; never to give up, but persevere.
You can catch up with our very own upcoming star on Facebook as Lunga Duma, Twitter @ lungaduma1 and for the Instagramers catch him on dumalunga.
Connect with Lunga Duma.
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