Music is food for this Mams singer’s soul
Gospel artist from Mamelodi who never had any formal training in music.
A Mamelodi gospel singer says music is food for her soul.
Conny Lamola (47), who never had any formal musical training, is living her musical dream.
Lamola matriculated in 1992 at Ribane Laka High School and completed a computer studies diploma at Damelin before turning to music as a career.
ALSO READ: Singer gives IsiNdebele flavour to jazz
“I started singing at an early age. I was lead vocalist for my school choir at the age of nine after my talent was spotted by choirmaster Sipho Skhosana.
My musical journey was inspired by award winning gospel singer Rebecca Malope.
I released my first single in 1999,” she says adding she had to overcome normal obstacles all emerging artists encounter.
“Securing recording deal was tough but I did not give up my dream…I kept on pushing.
In fact, with each rejection, I was determined to improve until I had made a success of my passion. I am a very determined person.”
In 2000, Lamola recorded her demo album with a male voice choir as her only accompaniment. She says she was encouraged to share the stage with well-known artists during big national events such as Macufe jazz festival.
She was among the artists who performed at the Nelson Mandela memorial.
She says her major break through came when she signed a three year contract with Coolspot production in 2006 and released an album titled A re motumiseng.
ALSO READ: Afrikaans singer sings to kasie kids
Her music receives airplay on different SABC radio stations but mainly Thobela FM, Motsweding FM, Ikwekwezi FM and on DStv gospel channel 331.
In 2007 she released an album titled O diramehlolo with a title track inspired by her mother’s struggles raising a family as an unemployed single mother of three.
“That was when I got used to only have tea for breakfast,” said Lamola. “It was all we had in the house on many occasions.
It breaks my heart to think that someone somewhere could be going through the same struggles today as I did then. So when ever I am able I give out food parcels and clothes to those who have less.
“It is my mission in life to make an impact and a difference to the needy kids because I know how it feels to go to bed on empty stomach.”
ALSO READ: International rugby experience awaits Carlton league stars
Do you have more information about the story? Please send us an email to editorial@rekord.co.za or phone us on 083 625 4114.
For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord’s websites:
For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram
