Lu Dlamini to Release ‘Gido’: A Soulful Tribute to Ubuntu and Resilience
South African composer, vocalist, and traditional instrumentalist Lu Dlamini is set to release a profoundly moving new album titled Gido, inviting listeners worldwide to embark on a journey that transcends music. Scheduled for official online release on 27 May 2025, followed by a live launch at The Playhouse Company in Durban on 27 June 2025, Gido is much more than an album — it is a living archive of love, resilience, and the enduring philosophy of Ubuntu.
At the heart of Gido is a deeply personal tribute to Lu’s late mother, Kitomena “Gido” uMakhuzwayo. Her mother’s wisdom and life lessons serve as the spiritual foundation of the project, giving the album its soul and direction. By blending the rich textures of South African jazz with evocative indigenous sounds, including the haunting melodies of the Umakhweyana, Gido creates a timeless yet contemporary soundscape that reflects both heritage and hope.
“This album is an ode to my mother and a call for unity. It carries the weight of history and the hope for a better, kinder future,” Lu Dlamini shares, underscoring the album’s deeper message.
The name Gido itself carries significant historical weight. It is inspired by her mother’s name, Kitomena, which pays homage to the vibrant community of Kitomena in Cato Manor. Once a symbol of cultural harmony like Sophiatown and District Six, Kitomena was tragically fractured by apartheid-era forced removals. Lu’s album aims to rekindle the spirit of unity and togetherness that defined the community, reminding listeners of the power of shared humanity.
“This is not music for the sake of music. It’s a call to listen with our hearts. To remember that we are bound together by our shared humanity,” Lu explains, inviting audiences to engage deeply with the album’s message.
Gido features collaborations with some of South Africa’s finest musical talents, including Dr. Madala Kunene, Steve Newman, Andile Yenana, Marius Botha, Riley Giandhari, Zibusiso Makhathini, Qadasi, and Ntobeko Shandu. This collaboration creates a rich fusion of ancient and modern sounds, weaving together stories and emotions that resonate across generations.
The album’s tracks traverse untold stories and histories. From honoring the resilience of South Africa’s “lost generation” to spiritual invocations calling for peace, unity, and healing, Gido is a powerful reminder that history is not a burden to carry but a bridge to a future shaped by compassion and understanding. Songs like “Lwaphela uvalo” and “Gandhi Shembe Dube” underscore this message, urging listeners to embrace the past as a guide toward reconciliation and hope.
With Gido, Lu Dlamini offers a unique and heartfelt contribution to South African music — one that celebrates heritage, uplifts the human spirit, and calls for a world where Ubuntu prevails. The album’s release is poised to be a landmark moment, reflecting the power of music to heal, unite, and inspire.
