Lawu ready to expand horizons in music industry

After the successful release of his single, Welcome KuGompo, Mdantsane artist Cebo Lawu’s music career is on the move after he was accepted into the Music Business Lab Programme.

The initiative is designed to equip artists with critical industry knowledge and strategies for expanding into international markets.

It is hosted by the Soul Candi Institute of Music and funded through a bursary by the South African Music Rights Organisation.

It aims to help artists understand the business side of music, with a strong focus on publishing, copyright and expanding into international markets.

Lawu is among 70 applicants selected from across the country to take part in the programme, which opened for applications in February.

The selection process was highly competitive, with a large number of aspiring musicians and industry practitioners applying.

He received feedback just a few weeks later.

“I got a positive response confirming my acceptance after a competitive selection process. It was a proud moment for me.”

Musician Cebo Mzanywa, popularly known as Cebo Lawu, is preparing to release a new single titled Welcome KuGompo, inspired by the announcement that East London is set to be renamed KuGompo City. Lawu said the song was created to celebrate the city’s new identity, while reminding young people to take pride in their roots and local history. The artist has been in the music industry for more than 12 years, with his journey having begun while he was still in high school, when he performed at community events and promotional activations. “At that time I was not earning anything, I was just doing it for the love of music and to get my name out there, but it turned into something bigger than I thought,” Lawu said. He credited the Buffalo City metro’s former carnival for having played a major role in elevating local musicians by providing opportunities for them to perform alongside nationally recognised artists. “That carnival helped a lot of us, because we were finally recognised as artists and we were paid after performing,” he said. “When it was cancelled, many local artists suffered because there were few opportunities left.” Despite the challenges facing the local creative industry, Lawu said the renaming of East London had brought renewed optimism among artists. “The name KuGompo City gives us hope, because it makes us feel seen as a community and as creatives,” he said. Inspired by the rebranding, Lawu began working on the song just days after the announcement. The track took three days to produce and focuses on celebrating the city’s transformation while honouring its cultural heritage. “I want people, especially the youth, to be proud of where they come from despite everything they have been through and endured.” The project brought together four local creatives, including a vocalist, photographer and sound engineer — all of whom are currently unemployed. Lawu said the collaboration aimed to show that the creative sector could play a role in economic development. “We are showing that art can also be a business, and if we support each other, we can create jobs and sustainable income through creativity,” he said. “A lot of artists’ challenges come from lack of support, especially from locals who relate to the daily struggles.” Beyond performing, Lawu runs his own record label, Inferno Records, based in the city, in partnership with a Spain-based distribution and publishing company. “This partnership helps us distribute our music properly and reach international markets,” he said. To date, Lawu has released 17 songs through the label, all available on digital music platforms worldwide. Lawu said he had not performed Welcome KuGompo live yet, but would do so after its official release. He said early feedback from listeners during the promotional phase had been encouraging. “People are responding well already, and that motivates us to keep going. For me, this means a lot,” he said. The song blends Afro-house and amapiano — a fusion Lawu believes captures both African identity and global appeal. “This is the KuGompo City anthem. It is a song people can dance to, celebrate with and keep coming back to,” he said. Click here to join the Daily Dispatch’s WhatsApp channel and get the latest news delivered straight to your phone.

To be considered, applicants had to show active involvement in the music industry through songwriting, production or other areas of the business.

They also needed to present a strong motivation, a portfolio of work and a clear commitment to learning more about music publishing and rights management.

The bursary covers the cost of the programme which includes training, study materials and access to industry experts.

Participants will also benefit from workshops as well as mentorship and networking opportunities within the music publishing space.

“The bursary is a big help because it allows us to focus on learning without worrying about the financial side,” Lawu said.

The programme will run over three months, offering structured learning sessions, practical exercises and opportunities to engage with professionals in the industry.

It brings together participants from different parts of the country, making it a national initiative that promotes diversity and collaboration.

Lawu said he was eager to make the most of the opportunity.

“I am hoping to gain deeper knowledge of music publishing, especially understanding copyright and royalties.

“I want to be in a better position to manage my music catalogue and build a sustainable career.”

He said his long-term goal went beyond personal success.

“I also want to use what I learn to help other artists in my community so they can understand their rights and grow in the industry.”

His decision to apply for the programme was driven by a desire to grow beyond being just a recording artist.

“I have been in the music space for some time, and I realised that understanding the business side is just as important as making music.

“It is important to know how to protect your work and make sure it reaches its full value.”

Through the programme, participants will gain practical insights into key areas such as copyright law, royalty streams, publishing agreements and contract literacy.

They will also learn about metadata, rights management and how to explore both local and international opportunities.

Nineteen years after composing the song Dimbaza My Home, producer, sound engineer, musician and educator Sinethemba Bili finally released it as a single on Sunday. The song is Bili’s first jazz release. He composed Dimbaza My Home in 2007, but life and other commitments got in the way of him releasing it. “After some time, I got busy with other music projects and work,” Bili said. “Last year, I got back to the composition and reworked it and released it. “I felt it was the correct time, as my sound had developed as well.” Bili said the song carried the spirit and memories of his hometown and was a deeply personal reflection on the place where he was raised and the experiences that shaped his life. “The song is a tribute to my hometown Dimbaza. “It’s a homage to memories and to the landscapes and escarpments that make up Dimbaza,” he said. “From the terrains and slopes of Intaba kaNdoda, the sonic influences of home and the shared culture of community.” The contemporary jazz single forms part of an upcoming EP that will feature five tracks. While many fans may know him for his gospel music, Bili said his latest project reflected another side of his musical identity. “I come from a gospel background, so I have a few gospel songs I have released over the years,” he said. “For my gospel music I go by the name of Sine Bili, and for jazz I use the name Bili Master.” He said the Bili Master moniker was given to him by his mentor, jazz pianist Dr Nduduzo Makhathini, while he was still a student. “It grew on me as I learnt to embrace it,” he said. Bili’s musical journey dates back nearly three decades. He started out in 1997 as part of the Masonwabe Gospel Group in Cape Town, an experience he credits with shaping his foundation as a musician. “Sabelo Goba played a very crucial role in shaping my career, together with Siyabulela Sithela, who was my secondary keyboard coach,” he said. He later returned home to Dimbaza, where he started his own recording studio before deciding to further his studies. In 2016, he enrolled at the University of Fort Hare, where he studied music under Makhathini and Prof Zoliswa Twani, graduating with an honours degree in 2022. The curiosity of childhood as we walked and played, taking in and learning about the culture and different music of the community Over the years, his sound has been influenced by some of the country’s leading jazz pianists, including Abdullah Ibrahim, Andile Yenana and Sibusiso Mashiloane. “The inspiration of the song was the memories of growing up as a young boy playing in the streets of Dimbaza,” Bili said. “The curiosity of childhood as we walked and played, taking in and learning about the culture and different music of the community.” He remembers the local musicians who helped shape his early understanding of music. “The rehearsals were a way of learning and sharing. We would also talk about the history of Dimbaza and places like Intaba kaNdoda. “Back then music was also a platform of mobilisation, and we would talk about what was happening in the country at the time,” he said. Bili recorded, mixed and mastered the track himself under his label, Izwilombono Music and Creatives. He worked with saxophonist Phakamile “Parker” Msizi on the project while programming the rest of the instrumentation. “My music is for an intergenerational audience who can relate to my message of home and all its aspects and memories,” he said. “I want people to remember home when they listen to it.” Though the single is already out, Bili is planning an official launch alongside the release of the EP. “I’ve received positive responses that evoke memories of South African jazz rhythm and culture,” he said. Bili said the release was more than just putting out a song but about finally telling a story he had carried with him for years. Click here to join the Daily Dispatch’s WhatsApp channel and get the latest news delivered straight to your phone Daily Dispatch

For Lawu, the opportunity symbolises not just a personal breakthrough but a chance to strengthen his place in the industry and open doors for future growth.

“This is a stepping stone for me — it’s about building a career that lasts, and making sure I move forward with the right knowledge.”

The programme starts this week.

“I see myself having completed the outcomes of the initiative already; that is how grateful and excited I am,” Lawu said.

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