La Dee speaks on her South African breakthrough

SOUTH Africa-based Afro-pop, radio personality and RoilBulawayo Arts Award (RoilBAA) nominee La Dee (picturedbelow) is making a name for herself with a growing number of fans falling head- over-heels for her music.

La Dee recently did a collaboration with South African rapper, dancer and songwriter Lindough. She said working with the rapper has opened doors for her leading to her recognition worldwide.

StandardStyle reporter Sharon Sibindi (SS) caught up with La Dee (LD), who said she is spreading her wings as far as Eswatini to be a radio personality at HalaRadio. Below are the excerpts from the interview:

SS: Can you tell us about yourself?

LD: La Dee is a female musician, an award nominee, radio personality and a businesslady born and raised in Bulawayo, but based in South Africa since 2008. I was actually doing maskandi music by name of “Inonolakwethu“, but in the recent year I thought of engaging everyone in my music as my previous songs were only appreciated by elderly people and the journey went well when I released my rst Afro-pop song titled NgyazifelaNgawe and the reaction of the audience did wonders to my music career to the point of being given a chance to work with Lindough from South Africa.

SS: How did it start for you in the music industry?

LD: Just like any other musician and female artiste it was hard. I had to relocate from home to South Africa looking for greener pastures. I stumbled and fell, but I never gave up. When I saw that my maskandi music didn’t get me where I wanted, I o ered people what they wanted and the saying goes, “if you can’t beat them join them”. I did just that and doors opened

SS: What type of music do you sing and how many albums do you have so far?

LD: I sing Afropop and house currently, but I am not going to limit myself. I will o er the audience what they need. For now, I have been working on singles, but if God blesses me this year I might be releasing an EP, but so far I have been releasing single songs

SS: What inspires your style of music?

LD: My music is inspired by the society and community. We are living in the times where people can’t say things, but they are looking forward to have people speak on their behalf through art and that is what inspires my music

SS: Being based in South Africa, how is it as a musician and how have you managed to cope with the challenges which most artistes face like piracy?

LD: Being in South Africa came in handy and demanding. Being a female artiste from Zimbabwe it was hard but I had to adjust to the industry and never forget who I am to prosper and make it. The industry is hard, it's all about values and principles.

SS: What have been your most adventurous time in the showbiz industry?

LD: I really enjoyed when I performed in Limpopo, had a radio tour before going to the stage. I had an interview at one of the best radio stations in South Africa @ThobelaFm and CapricornFm. Another highlight would be the recent show at Mpumalanga in December 2020 where I performed with Simphiwe (S’bu from Uzalo). The crowd was just energetic and welcoming, they actually sang along to my music. I should say being nominated for a BAA award and meeting all fellow great artistes in one place was just overwhelming

SS: You recently did a collaboration with Lindough, since then how has been your music journey?

LD: I have been recognised worldwide. Working with Lindough opened doors for me. I have had bookings coming in and other South African artistes approaching me and I can't complain, it has been by the Grace of God

SS: What have been your key takeaways after working with him?

LD: From working with Lindough my key takeaway was that “failure to prepare is preparing to fail”. You should be patient and plan your things accordingly. I also learnt that in everything you do never forget who you are doing it for and your vision

SS: This year- what projects are you working on and how does it feel to be working around Africa?

LD: This year I’m looking at blessing my fans with good music and visuals. I will be dropping a lot of singles with features from around Africa and looking forward to working with Mzoe7 on the management side. I’m also excited about spreading wings as far as Swaziland as a radio personality this year on HalaRadio.

SS: Your parting shot?

LD: I would like to thank everyone for the support and love across the world. The journey is never easy it doesn't matter from which industry the important thing is staying strong and true to your roots. Keep praying and support my music, I love you guys and please stay safe. Always mask up Covid 19 is real.