Lloyiso Gijana has truly come a long way since his days on Idols SA season 11. Over the past nine years, he has carved out a remarkable career, his voice now an integral part of Mzansi’s rich vocal tapestry, comfortably placing him among the nation’s most talented artists.
What’s impressive is that he has achieved all this on his own terms, at his own pace.
His success is evident in his ever-growing catalogue of music, with his latest masterpiece being a four-city tour dubbed ‘The Elephant in the Room,’ which continues into July with three cities remaining.
In just nine years, with many more to go, the star has achieved undeniable feats worth celebrating.
Gijana hasn’t been keeping score, judging by the palpable amazement he expressed upon realizing he’s nearing the 10-year mark. He shared that he lost track of time due to his intense focus on building his brand, Lloyiso.
“It’s been a very organic and authentic journey in that I haven’t lost who I am, I haven’t changed nor have I tried to be someone else. I’ve been very much true to myself, and that has kept me focused and able to create music that is impactful,” he said.
In an industry where fame can be fleeting, Lloyiso chose a path that, while sometimes slower, proved to be more fulfilling.
Naturally, this journey came with its challenges, including moments of not knowing anything, “not even how to read a contract.”
“My first contract I signed without even reading because I was so hungry to make this work. I had already resolved within myself that I wanted nothing other than music. With that hunger, and maybe a tad bit of desperation, I accepted anything and learned painfully that there were so many things that I missed.”
It took about seven years for him to realize that he needed to walk away and start doing things on his terms.
“This is the first time since I was 18 years old, and I am 25 now, that I am truly steering my own ship. And that is partly why I am staging this tour because I can fully control what I do,” he said, almost relieved.
This newfound freedom feels like a gift, allowing him to express himself fully.
“It also feels like I can be the Lloyiso that I’ve always wanted to be instead of the one who is being dictated.” He has now fully entered a new chapter of his life.
“And I do not despise that era. It was a necessary chapter in my life that molded who I am today. A necessary challenge. As a young artist entering the game and gaining all that recognition, it was overwhelming at times. It can get lonely, especially when going international, but I had to learn.
“When you first start, you’re clueless. You rely on others to guide you, and that’s where you can lose yourself and control of your artistry. Once you start doing things others bring you into, you lose heart, the excitement, and the value of the craft.
“In those seven years, I felt like giving up numerous times, especially during the Covid pandemic. I even considered going into teaching, which at some point was a pathway to get to my dream of traveling. I once wanted that for myself.
“During this frustration, I would sign with this label and that one, but I wouldn’t get what I needed.”
The release of his single “Seasons” saved him, with his supporters also being at the helm of his inspiration.
“That was a leap of faith. I released it on SoundCloud, and the reception I received reaffirmed me. Coupled with this little feeling or voice inside that kept saying, ‘don’t give up’.”
Music was his ultimate goal. This hard road exposed him to a lot of loneliness, he admits, and as the carrier of the vision, he appreciates the hard road.
“After Idols, I went back to school and came back to release a few songs. I released covers, signed to three labels, went out of those labels and now I feel like I am building from the bottom up almost like an independent artist but this is exactly where I want to be. I feel strong because of all that I have learnt. I can be the CEO of this business,” he said.
“If I could describe this freedom tour, the word ‘drama’ comes to mind. Theatrics, cinematics. So this whole tour is going to be a production. It’s like you are watching a documentary from when I was a little boy to now at 25 years old – mature and sure of himself.”
This entire production is funded from his own pocket, proof of how much he believes in himself and this new journey he is on.
“This career that I am carving is a global career. I have so much to give the world and even the music that is to come is a testament to the growth and this burning desire that has kept me going for so many years.
“In this new chapter, people will see more vulnerability from me because it is the essence of me and of my being. Vulnerability is where I strive and where I connect with people. There is not so much of it in the world, a lot of people hide behind so many lies and delusions. So this tour, and my music moving forward, I am creating a safe space where people can be vulnerable unapologetically through all the hardships of life and know it is okay.
“Ultimately, I want my career to be inspiring. In all facets,” he said.
