Tshepo knew the extent of Lundi’s talent, but no-one was prepared for the overwhelming response that Lundi’s debut album “Mphefumulo Wami” received. Released in 1998, the albums title track, Mphefumulo Wami, was an instant hit. The album’s sales are currently a staggering (350 000) and 8 years on are still climbing.

 

However, Lundi’s new found success did not come without controversy. The press vilified Lundi after he collapsed during a performance in Swaziland. Despite Lundi’s comments that he was spiritually carried away, the media crucified Lundi, claiming the incident to be a publicity stunt. It was a blow to Lundi’s credibility, but he was not to let this stop him.

 

His debut album was followed up with the release of “Mvuleleni Angene” in 1999. His second album did not fail to disappoint and his popularity was emphasized in no uncertain terms, selling over 26 000 copies within two hours of its official release. This album, which instantly achieved gold status, was also produced by Tshepo Nzimande, along with Sipho Mbhele. “Mvuleleni Angene” earned Lundi a SAMA award for best Gospel Album of 1999, beating such artists as Rebecca Malope, IPCC and Vuyo Mokoena.

 

In 2000, Lundi released “Ubuhlungu”. The latest album for the gospel singer again received great media exposure and sold at a fast pace.

 

His fourth album, titled “Phaphamani”, followed in 2001.

 

Lundi’s penchant for being in the media eye was confirmed again in 2002, when he won the Radio Metro Award for most controversial personality.

 

In the same year the gospel star released a self-titled album, “Lundi”. 2003 proved to be a tough year for the young singer. In January 2003, newspapers around the country were awash with headlines of him being admitted to rehab. Lundi spent 4 weeks in rehab, fighting against his drug addiction. The unfortunate revelation had an unsurprising negative effect on Lundi’s extensive fan base.

 

Late in 2003 however Lundi’s image and popularity were again restored with the release of a compilation of his best hits, titled “The Very Best of Lundi”. The album was later released on DVD.

 

The year ended in very good fashion for Lundi when, in December 2003, he was presented with a Kora Award for the Best African Gospel Artist

 

In an effort to thank all his faithful fans, friends and family members, Lundi released the album titled “Ngiyabonga” in 2004. The album was a great success, selling 25 000 copies within a week of release.

 

In 2004 Lundi decided to embark on the rituals he had previously shied away from which, according to his culture, would bring him into manhood. Lundi had been told that it was because he had refused to perform these rituals that he had been surrounded by the troubles of drugs and alcohol.

 

After journeying to the mountains, Lundi returned prepared and ready to continue with his career. With a new mindset and an array of inspirational ideas, Lundi began production on a new album.

 

2005 saw the release of the hit album “Jeremiya”. This album incorporated a jazz feel with Lundi’s African gospel style to create a fresh new sound for the singer. The track titled That’uJesu was an instant success with the public and Lundi’s work of spreading the gospel continued.

 

Not long after the release of “Jeremiya”, Lundi found himself greatly moved by an article he read in the Daily Sun. The article recalled the story of a woman whose husband had thrown acid on her face, greatly injuring her and landing her in hospital. Along with two other artists from the Bula stable, Lundi went to visit Nomshado, the young victim, in hospital.

 

Lundi was so deeply moved by Nomshado’s situation that, together with other Bula artists, he hosted a show to help raise funds for her. R30 000 was raised from the four shows.

Lundi has been considered one of the countries greatest performers for many years now and is able to attract an audience of thousands. He has proven himself to be an amazing entertainer with a personality set for the stage. This, coupled with his amazing live vocal abilities, makes watching Lundi perform live a memorable experience.

 

It was unsurprising then that Lundi took part in a live DVD. By combining his own musical expertise with that of his band members, Lundi put together a brilliant musical package for a live DVD shoot. 

 

Footage for the DVD was shot at a show held at Bassline in central Johannesburg. The sincerity of Lundi’s performance was clear for all to see, while performing all his greatest hits. Tracks such as Ngiyakwazi, Ukukhanya and Mina kept the crowd on their feet, but in an emotional and sentimental gesture Lundi also performed the well-known traditional hymn, Vuma Vuma, dedicating it to the late Brenda Fassie.

 

The audio feed from the DVD, “The Prince of Gospel’s Message”, hit the airwaves in November last year. The track Vuma Vuma is still currently experiencing great airplay on numerous national radio stations. Lundi once again proved his ability to stand strong in what is considered an extremely competitive market.

 

In 2006, Lundi asked producer Tshepo Nzimande if they could open up the door to the general public, offering them the chance to write songs for his new album. Lundi wanted to give aspiring song writers a chance to grow and make a name for themselves in the industry. In doing so, he would also be able to create something new and fresh in a conventional market. He turned to the beautiful Durban coast in search of song writers and inspiration. For the first time ever, Lundi recorded an album outside of Gauteng, recording his album in the SABC KZN studios and even shooting his album cover on the Durban beach front.

 

The album is titled “Umthandazo”, meaning “prayer”. The album is Lundi’s prayer, not only for himself but for the nation as a whole. From the numerous songs admitted for consideration, Lundi chose the 12 which they felt carried the message that they wanted to share with all of the albums listeners. 

 

In 2007, Lundi’s mom passed away after a brief illness, leaving him behind wit his siblings and dad. “It was so hard,” Lundi recalls. “I didn’t even realise that we buried her on Mother’s Day. I will always remember her on that day.”

 

Now in the same year, the release of LUNDI’s brand new 10^th studio album, “Impilo” marks one of the year’s highlights on any gospel music fans calendar. “Impilo” continues with the production skills of Tshepo “Zuz’Muzi” Nzimande. However this time, Lundi was given a platform to explore his creativity and growth as a musician, as he wrote all but two of the songs on the album. The result is a stunning 10 track album so diverse it contains everything from ballads uniquely infused with saxophone melodies, to well known hymns that have been rearranged, to the fast paced praise tracks. But most of all, this album is a tribute to Lundi’s mom, who passed on in 2007. “It took time for me to accept my mother’s passing,” Lundi said, “but life’s experiences have made me stronger and today I am grown up.”

 

Lundi is one of a handful of South African Artists who have exceeded unit sales of one million, with every release having exceeded double platinum. His incredibly powerful voice has gripped the nation and abroad since the beginning of his musical career in 1998. He has grown in fame and popularity and despite the controversy and publicity he has had to endure over the years, thousands still testify to the impact Lundi’s music is having in their lives.

Lundi has gripped the nation and abroad since the beginning of his musical career in 1998. He has grown in fame and popularity and despite the controversy and publicity he has had to endure over the years, thousands still testify to the impact Lundi’s music is having in their lives.