Lungi Naidoo makes music history: 'It feels amazing'
"I didn’t believe it even after I had signed the contract," says Lungi about her latest career move.
South African singer and songwriter, Lungi Naidoo, has a lot to celebrate these days. She recently became the first African songwriter to sign with UK-based company, Ditto Music.
Ed Sheeran, Chance The Rapper, Stormzy, and Sam Smith are just some of the artists who have used Ditto Music's services.
Lungi officially signed with the distribution and record label service company's publishing division, Ditto Plus Music Publishing, in January.
The 41-year-old, who was raised in KwaZulu-Natal's KwaDukuza area, says the achievement "feels amazing and very humbling".
"I didn’t believe it even after I had signed the contract, [did] the zoom call and popped the champagne. I still couldn’t believe it," she tells us in an exclusive interview.
Lungi's music career spans over two decades and songs from her latest EP, 'Courage', continue to climb up the charts. Her songwriting career has been equally successful.
Lungi has worked with artists such as Black Coffee, Kabelo, and Heavy K.
ALSO READ: Olivia Rodrigo named Billboard's 'Woman of the Year'
She is also making waves outside of South Africa. The star has worked with Nigerian superstar CKay and 'The Voice Nigeria' winner Idyl. Lungi says she would love to collaborate with Walter Afanasieff.
The Brazilian-American musician and songwriter has written music for the likes of Kenny G, Lionel Richie, Destiny's Child, and Marc Anthony. He also co-wrote some of Mariah Carey's biggest hits including, 'All I Want For Christmas Is You', 'Anytime You Need A Friend', 'Hero', and 'Butterfly'.
"I studied all his songs and started learning how to write based on his pattern. I would also love to work with Ndumiso Manana," says Lungi.
The 'About You' hitmaker first put pen to paper when she was just ten. But she says her first real song was dedicated to her daughter, Aleesa.
"I had just moved to Johannesburg and I left her with my parents in KZN. I couldn’t sleep or eat because it was the first time we were apart so I turned to music to help me deal."
Lungi says writing music is a channel she uses to heal and encourage.
Her 'Courage' EP is based on love, hope, and faith. "I wanted to put out music that would inspire and uplift anyone who listened," she says.
ALSO READ: Listen: Jennifer Lopez drops mashup of 'Marry Me' soundtrack songs
The singer has come a long way in the past 20 years, and the journey has had many highs and lows. She says God and "lots and lots of patience" helped keep her motivated.
She says it is important as an artist to understand that you matter and your voice is yours to share the way you want to.
"As a songwriter, it’s very important to write from an honest place. I’ve learned that co-writing with others elevates my skill.”
Lungi's fans can expect big things from the star in 2022. She's still promoting her 'Courage' album, which can be streamed on music platforms such as Apple Music.
"I look forward to collaborating with a few artists this year and can’t wait to hear my music in a movie or series."
Main image credit: Supplied