// 5 facets of Lungile's creative journey //
"Music is my first love, and sometimes you have to fly to find your true path." - Lungile Themba Wassup fam, hope you've been well! We've been quiet for a while, but we're back with some fire content lined up. Today, we're kick starting our new "Creative Frequencies" feature, and we've got an absolute gem to share with you – a unique dive into the world of Lungile Themba. I had the opportunity to have a great chat with him a couple of weeks ago and here's a summary of our conversation broken down into 5 interconnected facets.
1. Ndiza - Lungile's First Single
Let's talk about "Ndiza" – a track that's more than just a song. This Xhosa and Zulu-blended masterpiece literally means "to fly," and it's the first single from the SIKELELA: the Enoch Sontonga musical production. More than just a musical number, it's a deeply personal anthem that bridges generations and cultural lines, telling the story of a young man's journey, bidding farewell to his mother, and paying homage to his ancestral roots.
The song is raw, authentic, and carries a powerful message of self-discovery. For Lungile, it's a gift to himself – a courageous step of coming out and embracing his true self. When he says the song "stirs his soul more than any other," you can feel the emotion vibrating through every note. In fact, it's already become a standout track that caught the attention of audiences, including my own experience watching the production at PACOFS in April. You can listen to the song on Spotify / Apple Music or click on the image above.
2. The Upcoming Concept Album
Ndiza isn't just a standalone single – it's a crucial piece of a larger storytelling experience four years in the making. Recorded since 2023, the concept album will boast 16 brand new tracks dedicated to the Enoch Sontonga story. With about 20 artists featured, including Lungile himself and some cast members, they're set to drop this musical journey in 2025.
The album strategy is quite straightforward: six singles will give audiences a taste of what's coming. "Ndiza" has already exceeded expectations, and the second single, "Umuntu Wethu" (The Wedding), is now in promotional stages. Each track is carefully crafted to not just entertain, but to educate and inspire. You can listen to a snippet of the second single here.
3. The Production (SIKELELA: A Musical Opera for Enoch Sontonga)
“Sikelela” Production in Joburg (Photos by Tsholofelo Kodisang 2022 – 2024)
Stepping into the world of "SIKELELA" is like unlocking a forgotten chapter of South African heritage. This musical opera transforms Enoch Sontonga – the often-overlooked composer of South Africa's national anthem – from a mere footnote in textbooks into a vibrant, living narrative that demands attention. Adult audiences have been calling it a "history lesson" – and that's precisely Lungile's intention.
Lungile's vision stretches beyond local stages. He's been strategically positioning the production for international audiences, with early success in Cape Town proving the universal appeal of the story. The production challenges existing historical narratives, creating space for untold stories to breathe and be celebrated, while demonstrating the power of inclusive storytelling across racial and cultural lines. It was definitely my favorite production that I watched this year. Established Africa wrote an in-depth article on the production which you can also read here to get their perspective on the importance of this production.
4. Nalithemba Production
(Photos by Tsholofelo Kodisang 2022)
All of these creative endeavors are powered by Nalithemba, Lungile's production company founded in 2018. With a vision to become the "Disney of Africa," Nalithemba isn't just producing music – they're creating platforms for artists to thrive. From sold-out theatre productions to innovative online content during COVID, they're consistently breaking new ground.
Lungile's ultimate dream? To create an online platform where theatre shows and musicals can be globally accessed, focusing on film musicals and drama series with music at their core. SIKELELA is a prime example of this vision – a multidimensional storytelling experience that transcends traditional theatrical boundaries.
5. The Way Forward: Amplifying Young Creativity
The thread connecting all these facets is a passionate belief in young creativity. Lungile is proof that when given opportunity, young innovators can transform industries. His journey – transitioning between theatre, music, film, and television – demonstrates that true artistry knows no bounds.
His message to cultural and corporate institutions is clear: "Give young creatives a chance, and watch magic happen!" Follow Lungile's creative journey today: Lungile Themba on Instagram / Facebook / Spotify Nalithemba on Instagram
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