Lundi vows to give fans value for money

LEKOPANYE MOOKETSI
Correspondent | Thursday October 27, 2011 00:00

 

Accompanied by his manager, Thabiso Tsotetsi, Lundi told a press conference they addressed in Gaborone on Monday that he would be sharing the stage with local artists, Nono Siile, Trinity Mphoeng and Bianca Gabasiane of My Star fame. 

The master of ceremonies (MC) at the show will be television personality, Joel Keitumele.  Romeo Mashaba Promotions, a company owned by Fatima Gabatshwane, which two months ago brought Lesotho jazz artist Bhudaza Mapefane to perform in the country, will promote the Lobatse show.According to the promoters, they are going to use part of the proceeds from the Lobatse show to buy groceries for a destitute family.

It seems Lundi, who had been the 'bad boy' of gospel music in South Africa, has become a born- again Christian.Addressing the press conference, Tsotetsi told journalists that Lundi has faced a lot of hardships in his music career.  However, he said that is all in the past and Lundi is now a new creation.

In the past, the South Africa media reported that the young artist was battling with alcohol and drug addiction.  But his manager said Lundi is now leading a clean lifestyle.  'He has matured,' Tsotetsi said.He also spoke about Lundi's new album, My Journey, describing it as beautiful.  He said Lundi is doing well both in terms of his music career and business.

Tsotetsi said Lundi was supposed to perform in Botswana last year but his show was postponed by the promoters who probably felt the timing was inappropriate.Speaking at the same press conference, one of the local artists, Trinity said he is well-prepared for the Lobatse gig.  Trinity, who released his debut Afro jazz album this year, said he intends to give revellers value for their money.

He said this has been a hectic year for him as an artist.  One of his achievements is winning the Presidential competitions.Trinity said the fact that they are going to share the stage with Lundi is quite an achievement for them.  On her part, Nono said she is equally excited to be part of the impressive line-up.  She also promised to give out her best.

'Every time when I perform I come up with something new,' the Afro jazz songbird said.  The new entrant onto the music scene, Bianca is also elated to be part of the show.Meanwhile, when asked about by journalists about the secret of his success, the Xhosa speaking Lundi said God comes first in everything that he does.  The secret to his success lies in the Almighty.  Lundi will be bringing a 10-piece band into the country.

According to his biography, Lundi's musical journey began as a backing singer for gospel sensation Rebecca Malope.  While he was still with her, he was noticed by producer Tshepo Nzimande.  Nzimande set out to help Lundi launch his first ever solo album Mphefumulo.  Released in 1998, the album title track Mphefumulo Wami' was an instant hit.

His debut album was followed up with the release of Mvuleleni Angene in 1999, which also continued to do well on the market.  Mvuleleni Angene earned Lundi a SAMA award for best gospel album.  In 2000, Lundi released Ubuhlungu followed by Phaphamani in 2001.His next release was to be self-titled Lundi and then reports about his drug abuse emerged.  He was later admitted to a rehabilitation centre.

In late 2003, Lundi's image and popularity were again restored with the release of a compilation of his best hits titled The Very Best Of Lundi.  The album was later released on DVD.The year ended in good fashion for him when in the same year, he was presented with a Kora Award for the Best African Gospel Artist.