Dududza – Sbu Dludlu says his life has changed since being part of M-Net’s singing competition, The Voice.
The smooth-voiced Duduza resident had all four judges turning their chairs for him during the blind audition stages of the South African adaptation of the American competition, where he chose to be part of Team Lira.
Not new to music, Dludlu was advised to enter the competition by award-winning songwriter, vocal coach and producer RJ Benjamin, with whom he had worked in the past.
“RJ recommended that I enter the competition, so I entered online and was called to the blind auditions, where all four judges turned their chairs for me,” he says.
Dludlu says he was born into music, so it was a natural option for him when he could not go to law school because of a lack of funds.
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“My whole maternal family sings, so I was born into music.
“I have no formal training in music, only the experiences I have had singing with professionals,” he explains.
Dludlu reached the top 12 of the competition before being eliminated but says he is grateful for the experience.
“The journey was amazing. We had vocal trainers who taught me so much, such as how to breathe and behave on stage,” he says.
The end of his time on the show was not the end of the road for Dludlu, but was only the beginning as many doors have been opened to him.
“Many great things are happening for me after the show.
“I will be performing with Lira at Carnival City and have also been in talks with Native Rhythm Records,” he says.
“I have options now,” he adds enthusiastically.
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To youth in townships like Duduza, Sbu says do not give up.
“They must not give up on their dreams. Nothing is impossible.
“Take it from me, a boy from Duduza who was on the big stage,” he concludes.
In addition to working on his career, Dludlu intends to spend his time doing charity work with a children’s home on the East Rand.
