Lungstar Tida shares his unique sound

Realising his music career would never reach the heights he dreamed it would in his home town of East London, Lungelo Rhasi (39) moved to Germiston in 2009.

Now living in the Germiston CBD and performing under the name Lungstar Tida, Lungelo explained that his love of music began in his youth when he was part of the choir.

“My friends and I used to try and sneak away from choir practices in primary school,” Lungelo said when he visited the GCN recently.

“When we were caught we would get punished and often get beaten.

“One day I decided that I would just stay at practice and discovered I really enjoyed it.”

Though he loved participating in the choir he said he never really took music seriously until his high school friend Sandile Qina pushed him to pursue a career in it.

“He pulled the music from me,” he explained.

Lungelo began his musical career as a backing vocalist for other artists mainly in the gospel genre, but in 2013 he decided to take the plunge and begin his solo career.

“My music is a combination of Afropop and house,” said Lungelo.

“I moved away from gospel to better express myself and to better tell my story through music.

“In gospel you sing about God which is wonderful, but I want to sing about what is happening in everyday life.”

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Lungelo draws inspiration from everything he sees when writing music.

He takes inspiration not only from things happening in the world around him, but from his own personal experiences, as well.

“Most recently my music has focused on the culture of rape and how easily people can be accused of rape,” explained Lungelo.

“I feel that no one is talking about this side of the coin.”

Growing up listening to artists like R Kelly, J Scott and Simphiwe Dana, Lungelo feels his music has a soulful quality.

“I try have a soulful sound to my music,” he said.

“But I will learn to sing along to any melody.”

Always looking to grow his career and personal brand Lungelo spends his time networking and learning.

“I try to meet with like-minded people whenever possible to share ideas and information,” he explained.

“I have also attended a number of workshops, the latest by Zakes Bantwini, at the Johannesburg Theatre.

“These workshops really have helped me to grow as an artist and have taught me what to do and what not to do.”

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When it comes to the future Lungelo’s plans are a bit different from many other artists.

“I want to share my music with as many people as possible,” he said.

“For me it isn’t about the fame and fortune, it is about the music and sharing my passion and story with the world.”

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Contact the newsroom by emailing: Melissa Hart (Editor) germistoncitynews@caxton.co.za, Leigh Hodgson (News Editor) leighh@caxton.co.za or Busi Vilakazi (Journalist) busiv@caxton.co.za.

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