Lungiswa Plaatjies
Lungiswa Plaatjies — Voice of Heritage and Harmony
Lungiswa, born in Langa, Cape Town, is one of South Africa’s most distinctive female voices — a singer, percussionist and storyteller whose artistry bridges traditional Xhosa forms and the modern cross-cultural sound that defined the MELT 2000 era. Her career began within the celebrated percussion ensemble Amampondo, where she developed her powerful stage presence and deep grounding in indigenous rhythm and song.
As her voice gained recognition, Lungiswa became a sought-after collaborator among the musicians shaping South Africa’s new musical identity after apartheid. She was invited to record and perform with Madala Kunene, the revered “King of the Zulu Guitar”, whose raw, blues-infused storytelling resonated deeply with her own rooted expression.
Swiss guitarist and producer Max Lässer, first met Madala Kunene and Lungiswa through Robert Trunz in 1995. Robert Trunz — then head of B&W Music and later founder of MELT 2000 — invited Lässer to Johannesburg to collaborate with participating artist of the Outernational Meltdown, resulting in the landmark album Madamax. Recorded at Downtown Studios, the sessions brought together Durban’s earthy guitar tradition and Lässer’s melodic precision. Lungiswa Plaatjies not only recorded Kumnandi with Max but added her unmistakable voice to songs such as Undedenzane and Gongo.
Robert Trunz personally invited Lässer into the Johannesburg sessions connecting this project directly to the MELT history — a legacy built on cultural dialogue, authenticity and high-fidelity production.
Lungiswa later worked with Robert “Doc” Mthalane and Mabi Gabriel Thobejane, and Madala Kunene extending her collaborations within the circle of musicians associated with MELT 2000. Her voice also featured on remixes and reinterpretations released under M2KR, such as Masihlanganeni (Stop the Killings), showing her enduring relevance within the label’s evolving catalogue.
From township roots to international studios, Lungiswa Plaatjies remains a vital bridge between tradition and innovation.