In October, contemporary RnB singer, Langa Mavuso released his debut album titled LANGA and shortly afterwards, the much-anticipated release surpassed 2 million streams across various digital stores.
With themes of heartbreak, self-reflection and exploring a new version of himself - the 12-track LANGA album is authentic and relatable.
“This album is the honest sharing of my heart and a candid journal of my journey back to myself after losing love," Langa tells TRUELOVE. "It will make you cry, dance and maybe even smile. This is the window into my life through love.”
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He tells TRUELOVE all about the inspiration and success of his debut album, his musical journey and more.
When did you realise that you have a musical talent?
I was 8 years old and I discovered my voice through singing along to Whitney Houston’s Greatest Love of All. I always yearned for the stage as a child, especially when I'd be watching my parents rehearse for choral competitions and Sunday praise and worship. Music was always alive in our home and long drives.
How hard/easy was it for you to break into the music industry?
My journey of pursuing a career in the industry really began when I enrolled at the National School of the Arts (NSA) - that's when I started to see my gift as a discipline. My first official gig as a musician was session work and a performance with Spoek Mathambo when I was 17 years old; I was a student at UCT at the time and I was involved in a group called Soul Sessions. We performed at a lot of corporate events and small varsity events.
All the above prepared for the real mainstream industry which I broke into via social media. It wasn’t easy but the years of persistence and consistency helped me push through.
How would you describe your musical journey so far?
It’s been a journey filled with a lot of growth. I believe the best writers read more than they write and they live so they can write. I’ve found the words comes easier when I feel safe to be honest on a page. Creating the EP’s and finally the album was a challenging but it also therapeutic journey. The growth is evident even in the intention of the track listing. It’s been a long but worthwhile journey. I’m also so proud of the success of the album and how its been received.
Why did it take you so long to give fans an album after releasing your EP back in 2018?
Resources and resolution. The project is about healing and until I’d written or rather reached a place of healing it simply wasn’t finished. Once it was done, I needed to find the right partners to support the release financially.
What were some of the challenges you faced while putting together the album, especially during a pandemic?
I took time to pause. I had an album to mix and master so I focused my energy on that and really let the time off be a time to reflect and reconnect.
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Where do you draw inspiration from for your music?
Love and people.
Do you have a favourite song on the album?
It changes every day but right now it’s Pretend. Simply because it’s so honest and sincere, no frills - just vulnerability and heart.
How do you feel about LANGA surpassing 2 million streams shortly after it dropped?
Overwhelmed at first but grateful for all the strides we’ve made. People really showed us love.
How would you describe the mood of LANGA? How does it make the listener feel?
Well there’s 3 moods. Sadness, confusion and resolution. It should take the listener on a journey toward healing with all the good, bad and sometimes litty.
How did growing up in South Africa influence you sonically? Who did you grow up listening to?
The world class sounds of Mam Letta and Bab’ Caiphus filled many rooms of my childhood. Long drives from Soweto back home to the suburbs had sounds of Sankomota in the background. December’s with Brenda Fassie blasting in the streets of Diepkloof and baba’ Ringo Madlingozi accompanied every loved filled moment or just my mom’s society meetings. The sounds of South African artists were prominent in my upbringing and they inspired me to reflect the times but also to create classic records that live in people’s memories just as the songs above have lived in mine.
What’s next for Langa Mavuso in 2021?
More music. More shows. New videos and some special drops for my amazing supporters.
