Lu Dlamini is an accomplished South African vocalist, composer, songwriter and traditional instrumentalist whose distinctive sound draws together jazz, Afro-jazz and indigenous South African musical traditions. Based in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, she is known for expressive storytelling, a rich, understated vocal style and music deeply informed by her KwaZulu-Natal heritage.
A graduate of FUBA Arts College in Johannesburg, Lu established herself early in her career working alongside some of South Africa’s most celebrated musicians. She performed with Kamazu and Ali Katt, spent three years working with the legendary Brenda Fassie, and subsequently enjoyed a decade-long association with Sipho “Hotstix” Mabuse, touring extensively internationally and developing considerable experience both on stage and in the recording studio. She has also worked with Sankomota and Mango Groove.
Her international experience includes performing as a backing vocalist with Jonas Gwangwa, as well as supporting international artists including Grace Jones and Mick Hucknall of Simply Red. In 2011, she contributed vocals to material associated with Beyoncé, Coldplay and Red Hot Chili Peppers for Grammy-winning producer Kenny Young’s Rhythms Del Mundo project.
As a solo artist, Lu’s music incorporates elements of amahubo, umakhweyana, isicathamiya, African choral traditions and jazz, creating an acoustic sound that is unmistakably rooted in Southern Africa. Her collaboration with acclaimed guitarist Steve Newman further expanded her musical repertoire, while her album Ulimi Lwami showcased her abilities as both composer and vocalist.
Her latest album, Gido, continues this musical journey, combining indigenous instrumentation and contemporary musical language with storytelling around love, resilience, social consciousness and Ubuntu. Lu also leads the cultural outreach initiative Art Knows No Boundaries, using music and traditional instruments to encourage cultural exchange and connection.
In 2026, Lu remained active on South Africa’s jazz circuit, appearing at the 16th South African Association for Jazz Education Conference in Durban alongside bassist Sbonelo Mlita and saxophonist Buddy Wells.Style: Jazz • Afro-jazz • African traditional • World music • Indigenous contemporary music
Performance: Solo vocalist / vocalist with live band / cultural and jazz programmes
