Eastern Cape songbird set to launch debut album
Fans will get a glimpse of who I am – ‘Ndim Lo’
AFTER touching hearts with her debut single Marikana, Eastern Cape-born afro soul muso Lilitha Bidla will be launching her first album this weekend.
Bidla’s first offering was released last year and still enjoys airtime and a spot on Umhlobo Wenene FM’s Local Top 30 chart show.
Speaking to the Daily Dispatch ahead of the launch, Bidla said the single was just a starter and the album would be a better reflection of her talent.
“With the single I was introducing myself and asking music lovers to let me in.
“The album launch is now me making more noise and flying the Eastern Cape flag even higher. People got a taste with Marikana, now we serve the main course,” said Bidla.
She wrote all 10 tracks on the album, which is titled Ndim Lo (This is Me).
“All the songs are about my experiences, past and present.
“I just feel the title was perfect because by listening to this record, fans will get a glimpse of who I am, what my aspirations are and what I have been through,” she said, adding that the album explored various themes such as love and religion.
Bidla said she is often compared with Zahara and Berita but she hoped that now, through this album, her own individuality would shine through.
“I don’t separate myself from them because ultimately they paved the way for me and that makes them family, so I always appreciate the association, and obviously our sound is distinctively an Eastern Cape sound, but I promise people that once they listen to the album they will be able to differentiate between me and other afro soul musicians,” said Bidla.
The second-year music education student at Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University said she had enjoyed sharing the stage with the likes of Siphokazi and Berita but she was now looking forward to having the stage all to herself.
“For once people will be buying tickets to see me perform, the stage will be all mine. For me that is a big deal.
“This is a big moment for me because it’s been quite a journey to get here and I’m happy that I will finally be able to show the world what I have to offer,” said Bidla.
She said she was happy to be representing the province as she is further proof of the amount of talent that can be found here.
“If I shine, the province shines. We are always looked down on even though we have so much going for us.
“To even launch here is to prove that we do not need Johannesburg or Cape Town to make it,” she said.
The launch will be held this Saturday (April 23) at the NMMU south campus auditorium.
The show starts at 6pm and features appearances by UW FM presenters DJ Pastor and Putco Mafani. Tickets are R50, and are available at the NMMU music department or at the door. —