Lulu Dikana – Biography, Music, Life, & Death

Eli Holmes | September 7, 2023 | Profiles | No Comments

Introduction

Lungisa Dikana, better known as Lulu Dikana was a South African singer, songwriter, and recording artist. She gained massive popularity when she released her debut album "My Diary, My Thoughts" in 2008. However, her success would be short-lived as she died barely 6 years later on December 3rd, 2014. She was 35 years old.

Early Life

Lulu Dikana hails from a small town called Kwazakhele in the Eastern Cape, Port Elizabeth. She was born into a musical family. Her father, Vuyile "Viva" Dikana was a drummer for "Black Slave and the Flamingo". Before venturing into music, Lungisa studied law at Fort Hare University.

Music Career

Coming from a musical family, it was no surprise when Lulu decided to chase her passion for music. Her sister, Zonke is also a global icon for music. Lulu released her debut album "My Diary, My Thoughts" in 2008. The album was produced by Wilson Joel and contained some hit tracks such as "Real Love" and "Life and Death".

She followed up the success of her debut with a sophomore album "This is the Life" released in 2011. The album was nominated for three categories at the 2013 Metro FM Music Awards and also nominated for the "Best R&B/Soul/Reggae Album" category at the 19th South African Music Awards.

In October 2014, Lulu released her third studio album, "I Came To Love, " earning her three posthumous nominations at the 21st South African Music Awards.

Personal Life

Before her death, Lulu Dikana was a devout Christian and was very committed to the work of God in the Church. She is survived by her son, Luhle, and her sister Zonke Dikana, a renowned South African singer and record producer.

Death

Lulu Dikana died on Wednesday, December 3rd, 2014. She had been in the hospital after being admitted due to illness. Her death came as a shock to everyone and left many people speechless. She died just a year after her older sister Busisiwe, 37, died suddenly, and 5 years after the death of their father Vuyile "Viva" Dikana, who died in 2009.