Musician Lulu says his 25-year journey in the music industry is worth celebrating as he prepares to host the Lulu at 25–The Legacy Concert that will bring together fellow artists to commemorate his career’s milestone.
Lulu, who released his first single in 2002, said sustaining a music career for such a long period is not common and the anniversary provides him an opportunity to reflect and celebrate his journey.
“It’s been 25 years since I started releasing music. I think that’s a big achievement because it’s not something that happens often in the Malawian music industry. So, it’s worth celebrating. That’s why I’ve decided to bring my friends together to celebrate this milestone with me,” he said.
The Kumalembe hitmaker said his 25 years journey has not been without challenges, particularly in an industry where artists have to work hard to earn public support.
Lulu said unlike in some countries where musicians receive a lot of support, Malawian artists have to prove themselves by producing music that resonates with audiences.
“There are many challenges in the music industry, especially in Malawi, where people are more interested in being entertained than understanding or supporting the artist’s journey,” he said.
Lulu said accepting the realities of the local industry and remaining committed to his craft have helped him to push on despite the challenges.
“I’ve been accepting who I am because I’ve never been on top, like number one in anything. But I understand how my music goes and how my career is growing slowly,” he said.
The musician said he has also had occasions when songs which he invested significant effort failed to receive the response he expected from audiences.
However, Lulu said such experiences have not influenced his approach to music because his motivation has always been his passion for the art rather than public approval.
“I just do it because I’m into music and I live with music. No matter what, I don’t operate based on what people are saying. So, I think I’m very much okay with that because that’s the reason why I’ve been performing and releasing music for so many years,” he said.
With a career spanning 25 years, Lulu has also seen the next generation grow up around his music and he says his own children have developed different interests.
While his firstborn has shown interest in music, his second born has chosen a different path and is pursuing football.
For the anniversary concert, Lulu said patrons should expect an authentic live music experience at a time when technology and artificial intelligence are increasingly influencing music production and performances.
“These are the days of AI where people can use computers and all that. But we just want to show people that we are still doing it in a real way and are authentic,” he said.
For fans, Lulu’s 25-year journey is a reflection of his consistency and contribution to the local music scene, with his music continuing to connect with audiences across generations.
A fan, Victor Tundulu, said the milestone is a fitting recognition of an artist who has remained committed to his craft despite the challenges in the industry.
“Lulu has given us good music for many years and seeing him reach 25 years is something we should celebrate. His consistency and the quality of his music have made him one of the artists we continue to appreciate,” he said.
The concert will feature performances from artists, including Lawi, Eli Njuchi, Maggie KaDrum and Sam Mjura.
