Popular singer, songwriter and minister Lufuno Dagada is planning to take a break from making music. He will release a final album, a live recording, in August.
The renowned gospel artist told Limpopo Mirror that he felt he had achieved a lot in the music industry, but he now needed some time to rest. For the 50-year-old Lufuno, this does not mean a complete break from music as he will still be guiding young musicians. However, the album is the final one he intends to record.
“I don't intend to come back. I think I made a huge impact in the music industry,” he said. He explained that his career as a solo artist had started in 2001. “I'm one of the founders of the group called Worship House,” he said. He co-founded Worship House in 2004 with the former manager of the then Radio Thohoyandou, who is now at Phalaphala FM, Pastor Isaac Dagada.
At Worship House, he spearheaded hits such as “Mifhululu,” “Wedding Song,” and “Kha Vha Rendwe.” He went solo in 2001, the same year he graduated from the University of Venda with a bachelor's degree.
He teamed up with producer Wanga Mukwevho, and they released many albums, including “My Practical God,” and hits like “Zwoluga,” “Lekunutung,” and “VatamavonaMbilu Yanga Yo Takala.”
Lufuno Dagada has won several awards, including the Tshivenda Music Awards (TSHIMA) and Crown Gospel Music Awards.
“I've learned to trust in God more than people. I learned to believe in my craft and to appreciate myself whenever I do something good,” he said.
Lufuno, who was born and raised in Tshamulungwi in Harambuda, said he felt the time was right to bow out after three decades. He plans to share his knowledge with others. “To up-and-coming gospel singers, my advice is simple: Learn to write new songs and invest your time in your craft. Imitations bring limitations,” he said.
Mr Musiwalo Sikhauli, a very good friend of Lufuno’s, said that any good dancer knows when to leave the stage. “Lufuno is the best creative gospel artist in Limpopo, both in the studio and on stage. He leaves a legacy of being comfortable with his own voice and never wanting to be something he is not,” said Sikhauli.
Lufuno's last performance will be recorded live at a church in Pretoria on 31 August.
