After local success, Lento sets his sights on a national career
FROM gospel music to afro pop, Duncan Village singer Andile Lento has come a long way and this year he hopes to take his music to national level.
Having performed at various festivals and being playlisted on major Eastern Cape radio stations, Lento says the next stop is national stations and television.
Some of the stations that have playlisted his music include: Algoa FM, Bay FM, Izwilethemba, Kumkani FM, Forte FM, Keith Ngesi Radio and Mdantsane FM.
“I am grateful for the support the local radio stations have been giving me and I believe that before you go out into other parts of the country you must build a name for yourself back home,” he said.
Lento said it was during his time at Cefane Location in Mooiplaas that he realised he was passionate about music. This saw him joining a gospel group called Servants of Praise.
“The group performed in various parts of the province and we also got to share stages with the likes of Dumi Mkokstad, Veliswa Skeyi, Sipho Makhabane and Malibongwe Gcwabe, to mention a few,” he said, adding that he had spent three years making music with the group.
His success with them gave him the confidence to start his own solo career in 2010 as a jazz artist.
So far he has released three songs titled Ndiyakukhumbula, Dali Wam and Nomalizo.
“The songs have all received positive feedback from the public and radio stations have also been playing them. I am happy with the progress my music has made and I cannot wait to see what the year has for me,” he said.
Lento said he was focusing on promoting his current singles at the moment.
“My supporters from all over the country have been asking for an album and I am happy to inform them that this will happen this year.
“Releasing singles helps in terms of creating hype and also building a name for yourself as an artist. It’s a way of introducing yourself to the people,” he said. —