Dan Lufani (born July 1, 1987), best known as Dan Lu, and sometimes written as Dan Lufan, is a Malawian Afro-pop singer and songwriter.[1][2][3] In 2011, he was awarded as best Afro pop artist of the year in Malawi Music Awards. In 2016, he was nominated in best R&B/Afro-pop Act along with other artists such as Theo Thomson and Kell Kay.[4][5]

Dan Lu
Birth nameDan Lufani
Born (1987-07-26) July 26, 1987 (age 37)
Mangochi, Malawi
GenresAfrobeat
Occupation(s)Musician
songwriter
Years active2000–present

In 2023, Lufani's single Imfa (death) surpassed over K15 million (Malawian Kwacha) in one week.[1] Lufani has recorded four albums namely Khaze (cousin), Shupie, So What and No Size.[6] Lufani has collaborated with different artists in Africa such K-Millan from Zambia, Dizzy Don from Zimbabwe, Kcee from Nigeria, Nameless from Kenya and Bongani Fassie, the son of the late Blenda Fassie from South Africa.[7][8][9][10][11]

Background

edit

Early life

edit

Lufani was born on July 1, 1987, in Mangochi District as the fifth son in a family of eight children. Lufani's father is a pastor of the Baptist church in Malawi. He did his Secondary School education at Mangochi Secondary School in Mangochi.[1]

Music career

edit

Lufani started singing in 2000s and gained national recognition after he released his first studio album titled Shupie. He was the band leader of Malawi's renowned band, Zembani Music Company, before founding his own band called Rockers band.[1][12]

Criticism and controversies

edit

In 2023, the Department of Arts in Malawi told Lufani to change the lyrics of ‘Take My Body’ as it was under a wide criticism over sexual language.[13][14]

In 2016, Lufani was at loggerheads with his South African-based promoter Sisqo who accused him of breaking contact agreements that he signed under Sisqo Entertainment.[15]

In 2017, Lufani was beaten up by taxi drivers in Blantyre after he forcefully parked his car on already occupied parking lot.[16]

Personal life

edit

Lufani is married to Katerina Nzima.[17][18]

See also

edit

References

edit
  1. ^ a b c d Nzangaya, Archangel (2023-10-19). "'Imfa' has made me K15m in one week, says Dan Lu Malawi 24 | Latest News from Malawi". Malawi 24. Retrieved 2024-03-19.
  2. ^ "Dan Lu set to launch 'sweet banana' in South Africa - Malawi Nyasa Times - News from Malawi about Malawi". www.nyasatimes.com. 2017-05-26. Retrieved 2024-03-19.
  3. ^ "Zani, Dan Lu, Tay Grin dominate nominations in Nyasa Music Awards - Malawi Nyasa Times - News from Malawi about Malawi". www.nyasatimes.com. 2017-04-08. Retrieved 2024-03-19.
  4. ^ Dumbula, Joseph (2016-10-09). "2016 UMP Awards: Nominees line up complete: Tay Grin and Gwamba bag four nominations Malawi 24 | Latest News from Malawi". Malawi 24. Retrieved 2024-03-19.
  5. ^ "Dan Lu | HDS Entertainment". hdsentertainment.co.za. Retrieved 2024-03-19.
  6. ^ "'So what' artist Dan Lu announces engagement plans - Malawi Nyasa Times - News from Malawi about Malawi". www.nyasatimes.com. 2015-07-12. Retrieved 2024-03-19.
  7. ^ "Malawian Star Set to Break Into Nigerian Music Scene". allAfrica.com. 2015-10-09. Retrieved 2024-03-19.
  8. ^ https://www.vanguardngr.com/2015/10/malawian-pop-star-dan-lufani-kcee-plan-collabo/
  9. ^ Mughogho, Lyonike (2017-08-08). "Revealed: South African artist recorded with Dan Lu, Kcee before his death Malawi 24 | Latest News from Malawi". Malawi 24. Retrieved 2024-03-19.
  10. ^ SENSE |, WE TALK (2022-12-07). "NEW KID ON THE BLOCK! Malawian artist Dan Lufani roots for Ugandan audience with music tour". ONLINE. Retrieved 2024-03-19.
  11. ^ Seleme, Rae (2021-10-14). "Simphiwe Ngema scores a feature with a Malawian artist". The South African. Retrieved 2024-03-19.
  12. ^ "Dan Lu finds new love, launches album December 5 - Malawi Nyasa Times - News from Malawi about Malawi". www.nyasatimes.com. 2014-11-01. Retrieved 2024-03-19.
  13. ^ Nzangaya, Archangel (2023-02-24). "Dan Lu watokosola aMalawi ndi nyimbo yotukwana Malawi 24 | Latest News from Malawi". Malawi 24. Retrieved 2024-03-19.
  14. ^ Nzangaya, Archangel (2023-03-01). "Dan Lu told to modify 'Take my body' song as producer Tapps apologises Malawi 24 | Latest News from Malawi". Malawi 24. Retrieved 2024-03-19.
  15. ^ Mandala, Patience (2016-10-16). "Dan Lu in contract wrangle with South African promoter Malawi 24 | Latest News from Malawi". Malawi 24. Retrieved 2024-03-19.
  16. ^ Mkandawire, Mwayi (2017-01-23). "Dan Lu beaten in Chilobwe Malawi 24 | Latest News from Malawi". Malawi 24. Retrieved 2024-03-19.
  17. ^ Mughogho, Lyonike (2020-01-29). "Not only Tay Grin can afford a BMW: Dan Lu buys it for his new bae Malawi 24 | Latest News from Malawi". Malawi 24. Retrieved 2024-03-19.
  18. ^ Kondowe, Russell (2023-05-07). "I am sorry! Dan Lu apologizes to wife Malawi 24 | Latest News from Malawi". Malawi 24. Retrieved 2024-03-19.