Sojourn in Italy inspires album

IF LULO Cafe’s latest album could be described in one phrase it would probably be “La Dolce Vita”.

The album, XXXV (35) was released this week and is an ode to the house DJ’s latest visit to Italy and love for film.

The DJ, whose real name is Sikhululo Maliwa, says his love of movies flavoured his album.

“I love musical scores on movies. Every time I watch a movie, I ‘shazam’ it and get the name of the score … and I [have always wanted to] add [film] to my music but I didn’t quite know how,” he said.

“Then, I thought that I could actually make a film score be the feel of the album. It’s [intro] a 40-second score that grabs your attention and makes you wonder where the album is going.”

“Even within the album, there are two songs that are mood music and not your club or turn up vibes.”

The album was borne after his trip to Italy in 2014, which he says was an experience that inspired him to “get to work”.

“What inspired me was how rich and preserved their culture is. Nothing looks modern there. Everything looks classic, ancient and amazing.

“And also small experiences like walking into a shop and the kind of music that they play there,” he adds.

After living the good life briefly in Italy, he got back to the drawing board but didn’t focus only on music.

The muso behind smash-hit I Wanna Love You also has a summer clothing range in the works.

The line, under his Lulo Urban Culture (LUC) brand, will include tennis dresses, caps, vests, golf shirts, caps and cheeky shorts for the ladies, and possibly crop tops – only if he can have a unique take on them.