Zu. is a multi-hyphenate storyteller from Soweto who writes with the goal of healing and raising awareness for issues important to her heart. She co-founded LoveGlori in 2010 and Zuko Collective (ZuCo.) later that year. As a key member of these bands, she captivated crowds at events including the MTN Bushfire Festival, Smoking Dragon, Basha Uhuru, Fete de la Musique, and CTNWF.
Relationtrips, the band’s debut album, was produced by Zu. in 2015. In 2016, she started a solo career, which has generated a number of releases, including the SAMA-nominated song “Ndim Nani.” Zuko Collective’s stint at the Abantu Book Festival highlights how much of a literary force Zu. is. Her lengthy musical career has created several memorable events, like as appearances with Hugh Msekela at Bantu Hour and Yasiin Bey at iRocke Festival.
We had a virtual chat with Zu. about her passion for healing through music and as well as her lastest offering Zithande.
For those who’ve just discovered you, how would you introduce yourself and your music?
[ZU.]: I am Zu. (known as the lead singer of Zuko Collective and Glori of LoveGlori) many names for many talents. I am a multi-genre/multi-discipline artist and I have been singing since I was a teenager. Music is my language of choice. If I could box my genre I’d call it “feelings”.
Tell us about the kind of child you were and how you discovered your love for music
[ZU.]: Like most SA musicians, I grew up in the church. I was shy but somehow always managed to find myself centre stage. From being with Amadodana during church service to leading choirs in competition. My showmanship was developed through musical theatre.
After deciding to take your love for music into a professional career, why did you choose the name Zu.?
[ZU.]: People have a tendency of mispronouncing my name. Also with my history in acting and crafts, people know me by different names. Zu. is mine. Not associated with my family or my other professional choices. It speaks to my simplicity as a puzzle piece in both my music and the industry.
You’ve recently released a special project “Zithande”.
Tell us more about the project (the inspiration behind it, the name, cover, track list story, hidden concept, etc.)
[ZU.]: Zithande is a love letter to African babies, especially the younger ones. Music is one of the most powerful tools of communication and influence so when Platoon invited a few of us to the studio my excitement was rooted in being able to deliberately honour my children, hence the name “Suns Of Zu.”. I have 2 sons and songs like Beautiful Black Boys and Boys Can Cry were written with them in mind. The content our children consume will stay with them forever. That seems like a call to create positive music if ever there was one. The artworks have been based on the sound and message and my hope is that this music can be the soundtrack to family time while affirming brown babies all over the world.
Touch on who they worked with to create the project (why them, what their contribution was, how their contribution made the project to what it is).
[ZU.]: Guitarists like Urban and producers like Riffi and Shivo were a big part of the process. Platoon was quite deliberate in how they handpicked the team. I don’t think any other combo of sessionists would have produced the work in this way.
Other stories about the project (fun facts, things that were planned but didn’t happen, changes that happened during the creation of the project).
[ZU.]: My favourite moment is pulling everyone into the booth to help record the call and response for “Good Morning”. It felt like we were all tapping into our inner child.
Do you have any advice for rising talent highlighting the good and bad sides of the industry?
[ZU.]: I am a strong believer in “self cav” being the basis of our decisions. I would advise anyone pursuing this line of work to have a clear understanding of why they want to do this and relation rooted in that. Much like the ocean, this scene can be unpredictable and it helps to have a “why” to anchor you. I would also advise them to start with what they have and hold on to what makes them an individual (don’t try being anyone but the person in the mirror).
What was the last song listened to on repeat?
[ZU.]: Lua (Pipi Siez retake) – Pipi Siez and Djamou Sangare
If you could put together an ideal concert, who would be on the line-up?
[ZU.]: Leomile, Umle, Dineo Pule and Zu.
Plans for the year?
[ZU.]: I’m writing a movie, working on my album and on April 14, I’m releasing a single called “Save The Earth” ahead of Earth Day.
If you haven’t heard Zithande yet, check it out!
Featured Image Source(s): Supplied
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