Seaview songstress Lu posseses the rare quality of originality
Standout performances include the launch of her recently released CD, Ulimilam at the Playhouse’s Drama Theater in Durban, the Grahamstown National Arts Festival in 2016 as well as an unforgettable evening at the State Theatre in Pretoria.
MOTHER, musician and child of the soil, Lu Dlamini exudes positive energy, life and love.
The 48-year-old musician and performer lives in her old-fashioned Seaview home/recording studio with her husband.
Lu was born on the KwaZulu-Natal south coast into one of KZN’s musical royal families.
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On top of such a strong foundation grew exceptional compositional skills.
This, together with influences from the likes of Miriam Makeba, Letta Mbulu and Busi Mhlongo, gives her delivery a richness compounded of many layers.
Standout performances include the launch of her recently released CD, Ulimilam at the Playhouse’s Drama Theater in Durban, the Grahamstown National Arts Festival in 2016 as well as an unforgettable evening at the State Theatre in Pretoria.
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Lu loves nature and believes in the healing power of plants and herbs. She often invites friends to enjoy her garden where herbs, fruits and vegetables flourish, She points with pride at her pepper dews which are slowly forming but are already anticipated with a recipe in mind.
No one leaves her garden empty-handed and she speaks about each plant and lets you smell the leaves and taste the hebs and, if you are lucky, you get a free facial scrub with the aloe vera.
Healing power of art
Lu reveals her phenomenal talent through Ulimilam, a collection of songs that celebrate the capacity of the creative individual to personalise a signature art form and make it deeply appealing.
Her voice has depth and range on the physical level and it is the vehicle for soulful, intelligent and emotional comment in every note.
Her performances are gifts to those who can hear beyond the melodies and techniques, to the place where she cradles the soul of a nation within the context of humanity itself. Her strong sense of community has helped Lu forge “Art Knows No Boundaries”.
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Lu believes in the healing power of art. Through her AKNB schools project that takes live music to schools and introduces children to the Umakhweyana, an African one stringed bow.
The lyrics of track four from the her latest album speak about happiness, about how one should smile even in pain, laugh in the rain and remember the happier times when sad.
When asked about her typical day she laughed and said there is no such thing.
“I always ensure that my day is pleasant, I make a decision that I will make the day beautiful, for the plants and animals as much as I would for human beings,” she said.
While sitting on balcony under an avocado tree she shares stories about travelling the world with the cultural exchange programme, but after exploring any different cultures Lu still felt like it was not enough.
“I regret not travelling within Africa and learning more about Africa, but I will make it my mission,” she said.
Quick Q&A
1. Describe Lu.
I know who the world says I am, a woman, a mother and musician. I know parts of Lu but not the complete and fullness of Lu.
2. What is it like to live in the Queensburgh area?
Laidback and non-pretentious.
3. What is your favourite hangout spot in the area?
Musician and legend, Madala Kunene’s House in Hillary.
4. Why music and theatre?
It’s a calling.
5. What do you feel you have bragging rights to?
My children.
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