By Nokwanda Shabangu
It takes a solid back-bone to sustain one’s soul in the music industry. Which reminds me of those Jill Scott lyrics were she sings how “everything ain’t for everybody”. The music industry is able to strip anyone of their identity and originality. Yet, this artist is one who steers clear of mediocrity, by constantly stretching her mind beyond stereotypical limitations. Lulu Dikana’s career has seen her evolve into an artist who is completely involved in the creation of her artistry. In her latest album, Dikana explores her musical talents of being a songwriter, composer and producer which exhibits her natural dynamism. Here are some interesting points which arose during our conversation together…
Q: What message are you trying to convey through your artistry?
A: As a Born Again Christian I seek to re-structure peoples understanding of God by reminding them to celebrate their personality and how to truly express love. The song in my album “I Came to Love” encapsulates who I am as a story-teller and singer. I have a deep-rooted relationship with God yet, I write in such a way that my songs resonate with everybody. I feel liberated within our relationship together (with God) because he always provides help when I need it…
Q: When did this journey begin for you?
My mother was an undercover-writer and my father was the musical one. Even though she had a professional career, she wrote a number of short-stories which my sister and I are yet to publish. The musical-melodies are from my father and the lyrical-intelligence is my mothers’ inheritance. This has definitely liberated my understanding of music and life. Although I cannot read or write music, I have the ability to explain my sound. Playing original compositions can easily result in debates as musician’s question “the right notes” although no such thing exists. Composers’ should stay true to their feelings/mood about the song as that creates certainty and consistency in their music. Mediocrity cheapens your sound and you shouldn’t fall victim to that
Q: Please tell us a little something about song-writing…
A: After a number of melodies swim through my mind and I finally decide to take it upon myself to write one – I have to get into the zone. The strongest melody that grabs my attention is the one which I will begin to develop by, listening to clearly and letting it guide me. Song-writers should give themselves time to allow the process to happen naturally. This means that outside noises, such as trends and self-doubt, should be blocked-out if making sincere music is your intention. Your melody wants to say something in you. Songs with substance are created by those who understand themselves because they stem from the soul. So by developing myself, I undoubtedly develop the sounds which my body will resound.
Q: What usually triggers this inspiration?
A: Life. It’s not just the pictures of everyday life but the feelings which are created by living in the moments. I find myself feeling the melody during an experience but it takes time to mature into a song. Basically this means that song-writers have to be real with themselves and with their experiences.
Q: How long have you been with your band?
A: Most of my band members have been with me since 2008 and our synergy is created by understanding one another. I have an immense amount of respect for my band because they can physically play the instruments which I hear in my head. They have also come to respect my style of music because I am able to clearly articulate what I want. Instrumental-sound has to collaborate with the vocals and that can happen only once everyone knows the music.
Q: Having seen the transformation of the music industry – what are your observations?
A: We’re a society that loves to dance and I just hope we don’t lose touch with other forms of artistry. Live performance is a transcendental experience for both the audience and the performers. For that reason alone, we should be connecting with more artists on different platforms. There’s a market for people who want to hit the club until 3am and although I don’t have a problem with that, I just don’t want to see music die. The background of soul is gospel. It’s from the heart and where you let it all out. I’m not trying to be perfect but, I look forward to creating a space where people can genuinely enjoy soul music.
Dikana’s latest offering, “Falling Deeper” (http://bit.ly/RrV6uY) takes a comprehensive look at the elemental features of love. The manner in which she expresses her emotions can be seen throughout the video, especially through her passion for performing. Where she empowers her audience by powerfully-singing on stage about the universal feeling of love. After our heartfelt conversation, the association between Dikana’s sincerity and artistry was clear. In all her (vocal) glory and big hair, Lulu Dikana continues to inspire true musicianship by portraying it. We look forward to hearing the entire album which is due to be released in June 2014
