By Sitha Maliwa
Mondli Lunga Dladla, better known by his stage name Lunga, is a name that resonates with perseverance, passion, and authenticity in the South African music scene. Hailing from Endwedwe (eBhamshela), Lunga’s musical journey is a testament to the highs and lows of pursuing a dream. His distinctive fusion of Afrobeats, Amapiano, Hip Hop, and Indie music showcases his versatility, and his ability to merge traditional African rhythms with modern beats makes him a standout artist.
But behind the booming basslines and catchy melodies, Lunga’s journey hasn’t been easy. His road to success has been marked by struggles, including moments of deep despair. Early in his career, Lunga faced a crippling period of depression. The weight of his musical aspirations not materialising as quickly as he had hoped took a toll on his mental health. “I felt like I was constantly running in circles, chasing something that seemed just out of reach,” he shares. “There were nights when I didn’t even know if I had the strength to keep going, but I knew I had to keep fighting for my dreams.”
Lunga’s depression stemmed from the fact that his music career didn’t take off as quickly as he had anticipated. Despite his raw talent and passion, the industry was unforgiving, and his early struggles left him feeling defeated. The initial rejection and lack of recognition weighed heavily on him, leading to moments where doubt and uncertainty clouded his vision. Yet, despite these mental battles, Lunga refused to let his dreams slip away.
His breakthrough came after a series of transformative collaborations, including his work with artists like Sino Msolo, Given Zulu, and Kenza, which began to build his reputation in the industry. Lunga’s perseverance paid off, and by 2021, he found a solid foothold with a record deal at Sony Music. His journey, though fraught with challenges, has turned into a powerful narrative of resilience and self-belief.
In a pivotal moment of reflection, Lunga shared his thoughts on his journey: “The struggle was never just about the music. It was about finding belief in myself when no one else could see the vision. Now, every beat I drop, every verse I write, is a celebration of the battles I’ve fought and the person I’ve become. It’s proof that even in your darkest moments, there is a light waiting to shine through.”
This light is reflected in his recently-launched single, “NGEKE SIZWE NGAWE,” which dropped on March 29, 2025. The track, featuring Kokza Deman, Goitse ZA, and JVST SVM, signals the beginning of a new chapter in Lunga’s career. The song blends emotional storytelling with his signature fusion of African rhythms and modern soundscapes, offering a glimpse of the growth and maturity that have marked his artistic journey.
Today, Lunga is more than just a musician; he’s an inspiration. His journey has taught him that the key to success is resilience. “If I could give any advice to the young dreamers out there, it would be this: Never let your failures define you. It’s okay to fall, but always rise, because your dreams are waiting for you on the other side of that struggle,” he says.
As Lunga continues to carve out his place in the global music scene, he remains grounded in his roots. He plans to give back to his hometown of Endwedwe by hosting a special homecoming event, sharing his success with the community that supported him from the start.
With an eye on international collaborations and touring across Africa, Lunga is more determined than ever to make his mark. His journey is far from over, and with each release, he shows the world that the power of resilience is the greatest rhythm of all. – @NewsSA_Online