Released August 31, 2011 Recorded 2011 Length 4:32 | Format Digital download Genre Afro-soul Label TS Records | |
"Loliwe" is a song by South African singer-songwriter Zahara. It was officially released on August 31, 2011 as the first single from her debut studio album of the same name.
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Background and recording
In an interview with NTV Kenya, Zahara described "Loliwe" as a song written to inspire one to achieve their destiny through patience and perseverance. Zahara said the song is primarily about the train that transported her fathers and forefathers from Johannesburg to East London during the Apartheid era. Furthermore, she said many people had hope that the train will bring their love ones back. "Loliwe" was composed with a five string guitar.
Music video
The music video for the single was directed by Ash Dibben and produced by Mastermax Films. It has eclipsed the 3.4 million views mark on YouTube.
Accolades
Zahara won the Female Artist of the Year and Newcomer of the Year accolades at the 18th South African Music Awards for "Loliwe". The song won Best Selling Full-Track Download of the Year at the aforementioned award ceremony. "Loliwe" garnered the "Song of the Year" award at the 2011 Metro FM Music Awards. Zahara won the Best Female Artist from Southern Africa award at the 2012 Kora Awards, and was nominated for African Artist Of The Year at The Headies 2012 for the song. Moreover, the song won the Best Selling Ring-Back-Tone award at the 19th Annual South African Music Awards. The music video for "Loliwe" won the "Best Female Video" award at the 2012 Channel O Music Video Awards.