Alternative R&B and Afro-Pop fusion sounds are sneaking into our playlists one stream at a time. If you aren’t shaking your hips, with a drink in your hand, and contemplating if you should text your ex, LIINDOR’S EP IS’QALO: THE BEGINNING will give you the boost you need.
KZN-born Lindokuhle Dlomo, known as LIINDOR, is a 23-year-old singer/songwriter. Along with his talent, his EP adds to what some deem the golden age of South African Alternative R&B. Led by garden-fresh artists like Marcus Harvey and SiBi, the new wave of R&B is vying for your attention. Nevertheless, the oceans of talent present in this genre deserve every stream. Consequently, it is just the beginning for a talent like LIINDOR.
Naturally, we spoke to LIINDOR about the inspirations and frustrations that created IS’QALO. Without a doubt, genre-bending was a big goal for him in this project. LIINDOR tells us more about how his versatility is where he finds his safety. 
Who is Liindor?
My name is Lindokuhle Dlomo, professionally known as LIINDOR. I produce, write and record music. I was born in Kwa-Zulu Natal and moved to Johannesburg with my parents when I was 12. This was also the year I got introduced to music.
How would you say you discovered your talent?
I grew up in a family that loved playing different kinds of music in the house. My dad was an avid Ballad listener. My mom loved her Gospel. I credit my older brother for introducing me to Hip-hop, but most importantly, to FL Studio. At age 12 is when I started listening to music differently, [and] more attentively. The intention was to create. Music became my outlet.
Besides the common struggles artists face, what has been the journey like thus far in establishing your brand?
It has been a roller-coaster ride. But it’s the small wins, like this interview, that keep me and my team going.
How would you describe your style of music?
I’m versatile. I can go from one genre to another, but my safety net and habitat is ‘African Trap Soul’. This is a mixture of R&B, Hip-hop and Trap. Also, I’d say African because I deliver my lyrics predominantly in my home language, isiZulu.
What do you think is the best inspiration for good music: love or pain?
Love. It is also the main theme of my project IS’QALO: THE BEGINNING.
According to LIINDOR, which 3 elements are necessary to create the perfect song?
A good beat, great melodies, and strong lyrics.
What inspired the making of IS’QALO: the beginning. What message were you aiming to send out through the project?
Love inspired IS’QALO. The first song, which is the title track, is about me asking for the right of way from God, my ancestors, and my parents. In there is a voice note from my mom giving me blessings. There’s no greater love than that.
You only have about 4 featured acts on the project. Would you say their contribution to the project allowed you and the team to achieve the targeted sound?
Absolutely. Everyone I featured on this project is an artist I respect greatly. They sound only like themselves and no one else… much like myself. I reached out to them to help me curate this genre-bending project.
If you could collaborate with any artist in the world, who would it be and why?
It would definitely be K.O. The peak of South African Hip-Hop is what inspired me to make music. I believe K.O. was at the forefront of it all. His lyricism is unmatched.
Besides music, is there another way you express yourself? Do you have other talents we don’t know about?
None that I can think of right now. I’ve worked so hard finding my sound. Music is the one thing I give all of my attention to.
Additionally, what advice would you give to any up-and-coming artists that want to create music with a similar sound?
I would start off by saying, “be you,” and don’t be afraid to experiment. The last thing you want your music to sound like is a knock-off version of someone else’s sound. Don’t try to imitate anyone. Find your sound and keep crafting it to perfection.
What is the future looking like for the Liindor brand? Particularly, can we expect more visuals in the coming months?
The team and I are releasing a motion picture pretty soon. It’s a manifesto of my EP. I worked with the incredible Katlego Mavundla, who directed and shot it, along with the talented Tsepo Letsela. A big shout out to my team at Mo’ Than Just Music: Modise Sebothoma and Moorosi Mbele. We are working on so much. I can’t wait to share it and more with the world.
Indeed, you will witness the rise of a star before it happens. Also, you can follow LIINDOR on Instagram here. Lastly, stream LIINDOR’s project IS’QALO: THE BEGINNING on all streaming platforms.
1 Comment
What a lovely read! Such an awesome way to become familiar with a bomb local artist 🤌🏽🤌🏽🤌🏽🤌🏽🤌🏽🤌🏽🤌🏽