Nearly four years have passed since multi-talented gospel sensation Lutendo Ndou last actively participated at outdoor music festivals. Before that, the 33-year-old singer and dancer from Tshikombani, outside Thohoyandou, used to be a regular and very popular figure at events, performing across the whole of Limpopo and beyond.
The artist is well known for his somewhat unusual choice in fashion in terms of stage attire - which is tattered-looking clothes. Over the years, this has become his trademark look during performances, and his fans seem to be loving it. "The outfit was a way of attracting the attention of people and to show humility," he said.
Since the Remember Me and Thapelo hit-maker's sudden disappearance from the music scene in 2019, the same question has been asked repeatedly: "Where is Lutendo Ndou?" Limpopo Mirror went in search of this versatile performer and, sure enough, caught up with him while he was performing live at an outdoor event at Tshikombani.
Ndou, who used to be a dancer for veteran gospel singer Jerry Navhani before going solo in 2018, was very eager to clear the air about his long absence. "The rumours that I quit music is not true, of course. I am still alive and kicking and performing, as you can see," he smiled.
"I released my second album, Thapelo, in 2020, when the Covid pandemic hit our shores and the music industry was halted. I could not market the album or do performances as a result of the restrictions."
His last album, called Monate Sione, was released in 2021, right after most of the Covid restrictions were lifted at last. "I thought things would change as the album is very powerful, but I hit yet another snag. I do not have a sound system for performances and promotions. But I am getting the funds to set that right, and soon I will be taking my music to its rightful owners again. My fans should not despair. They are still going to see me perform all over," Ndou said.
For bookings and to purchase his music, he can be contacted on 072 622 7688.