BUTTERWORTH-Born South African Music Award (SAMA)-winning singer Lungisa Xhamela is counting down to the release of his new song titled “Okoko”.
After having worked on it for the better part of the last two years, the piano pop song is inspired by his own bitter experiences in the music industry.
Written by Mthatha-born record label owner Tsepang Liphapang, produced by Lelanga and performed by Lungisa Xhamela, the song is about hard work, resilience and the success that ultimately follows. It is a song of hope that encourages everyone to work hard to get to a life worth living.
After making it to the SA Idols top 16 in 2015, Xhamela, the velvet-voiced singer’s career took off and he was fortunate enough to sign a recording deal with Gallo Records. But a couple of years into the deal, things did not go very well, prompting the relationship to come to an end.
In an interview with the Express, Tsepang Liphapang, owner of the Native Unit Record Label, said “things got so tough that he lost everything, including his car and apartment in Sandton. This meant that Lungisa had to start from scratch and work independently. That’s when he partnered up with me and Lelanga to put the song together.” He told the Express that “the proof is in the pudding”.
“We’re glad to announce that this is the first time since leaving Idols that Lungisa gets to work on his own music and we promise that this fully independent project will make you dance whilst serving you intricate harmonies and well put together chords.”
The song will be available on all streaming platforms from 25 July 2025.
