TOP musician and producer Xowla has paid heartfelt tribute to legendary kwaito pioneer Thokozani "L'vovo Derrango" Ndlovu while he's still alive.
L'vovo, who rose to fame in the early 2000s with hit songs that kept Mzansi dancing, is currently recovering from a stroke.
Xowla has released a remake of L'vovo's 2008 classic Resista, featuring Tony Daymane, Emtee, Touchline and Slim Ego.
The tribute not only honours L'vovo's impact on the dance scene but also aims to help him earn royalties.
The team transformed the Durban kwaito classic into a modern hip-hop track with Afro-pop influences.
Xowla, whose real name is Xolani Shabalala from uMnambithi, told Daily Sun he grew up listening to L'vovo and wanted to pay tribute now that L'vovo is less active in music.
He gave assurance that L'vovo would receive royalties from the remake.
Xowla, who recently remade the late Bhekumuzi Luthuli's Silwelani after getting permission from Gallo, said it feels good to honour L'vovo while he's still alive to hear it.
"When we were in the studio, we just felt like doing L'vovo's song and realised we should pay tribute to him. His song was popular, and many people who love music know it.
"We just flowed in doing his song, then we contacted them to get permission to do the remake, and they gave us the green light to do it. That's why even in the artwork of the song there's L'vovo's picture," he said.
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Xowla said the plan now is for L'vovo to appear in the music video.
He explained that, knowing L'vovo is recovering from a stroke, they want to find a good way for him to appear in the video without showing him in a negative light.
He added that the song is a celebration of resilience and a love letter to the music that raised them.
"Growing up, L'vovo's energy was everywhere. It was fearless, it was fun, and it commanded you to move. When I first heard Ngifuna amandla (I want the power), I felt that in my soul.
"This new version isn't about replacing a classic. It's about standing on its shoulders and showing how far our sound has come. Getting Tony, Emtee, Touchline, and Slim on this record was a dream. Each of them brought that same Resista spirit, unstoppable, authentic, and proud. We've made something special for the fans, for the culture, and for the legend L'vovo himself," he said.
Daily Sun contacted L'vovo for comment. He said he was unable to talk as he was mourning the death of his nephew.
