Lungelo Maqungu well-known as ‘Lou’ originates from Soweto, Dobsonville Gardens. From what he calls “a small block with less opportunity” but that does not stop him from pursuing his dreams. We stan!
In a sit-down interview with the artist, Lou, we delved into his career and his future plans to get to know him better. Not quite the norm, but we began by asking him what his future hopes and dreams look like and he told us that he has plenty.
“I am a man who is not only looking at a local level of influence. I want to change the world, be a people’s person, engage with my people and help those who are in need of help and face disadvantaged situations,” said Lou.
Considering that he comes from the hood where there are many narratives as to who makes it and who does not. Lou told the publication that it means a lot to him that he comes from what we call the dusty streets of Sotra (slang for Soweto). This is because “it taught me to be streetwise and get on with my hustle networking with other creatives.”
On a lighter note, the musician has been involved in a number of projects and we had to ask out of his own, what his favourite song and most popular song is, and he told us it is called ‘Hide & Seek‘ by Kombo & Lou. Without question, we could tell that this is a track that holds of sentimental value to the composer hence it is his fave.
It is from an upcoming duo tape known as ‘Ghetto Scandalous’. Simply representing us and our ghetto together with its scandals.
#1 Where does your inspiration for music come from?
“My music inspiration comes from mostly my peers/friends because we all creatives. Some are designers, cinematographers, musicians like I am so being around them influenced me to pursue music as a career,” stated that artist.
Lou added that he started his music journey back in the year 2015, where he actually began producing.
#2 What music genre are you into?
The born-entertainer composes hip-hop music, rap, Kwaito and still pursuing new genre like the Pianos, Afro-Tech and Afro-Pop.
#3 What type of influence would you like to inflict on others?
“I want to be seen as an influence artist or individual in my community that is active and is a helping hand to people who are in need of skills or services I offer. More importantly, I want to develop my community in a way that creatives in my hood feel like they have a home,” said Magungu.
We must say, that is heartfelt and touching and we wish you all the best for your future endeavours.
#4 What are you currently up to?
At the moment, Lungelo is pursuing his online studies with Unisa. Teaching to be precise, and he just began this year June.
“I know it’s a bit confusing why I am not studying music, I feel like not everything goes according to how we wish or plan … I believe one has to start somewhere to be somewhere. I am also working on contract at a school as a teacher assist and my senior supervisors inspired to do teaching because they see me fit but I see an opportunity to change lives.”
#5 Who do you look up to both locally and globally?
“Locally I look up to the late Ricardo “Riky Rick” Makhado. He shift the game and opened gates for the new kids who are hungry and dying to pursue music as a career. So to me his more like my Micheal Jackson.
Internationally I would go for Kendrick Lamar Duckworth. His the only historian, religious and mostly portrays his music as stories that I self relate to as a young black man in this world,” the musician proclaimed.
Lou’s dream collaborations would be with Kendrick Lamar, Zingah/Smashis, late Riky Rick and Schoolboy Q.
“Those 4 artists mould me, shaped Lou to who he is today and they really influenced my life through their music,” Lou told Mgosi. Powerful!
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DID YOU KNOW:
- Lou likes laughing and he is one person who laughs out loud and it annoys people sometimes.
- He is a one woman man, “I don’T know if it’s a fun or interesting fact but I find it interesting that I am not like other artists who are in the game for women, money and fame but I want a straight and ordinary life like everyone else.”
- The artist likes making jokes, but at the same time, he sometimes talk a lot and keep quiet a lot, it scares people away thinking that he is too uptight.