Welcome to it. This week we are on the ‘Spot Light’ with Portia Luma who is a multi-faceted artist and a business woman based in Cape Town, South Africa. She runs an Artist Management & Entertainment Company as well as a clothing brand, for which she is also the ambassador.
With only 8 months deep in the music industry, she has already built an impressive profile, which includes being the first ever female dj to progress to the regional finals of the Viceroy Makoya Mix DJ Competition. She has hosted major events and has also shared stages with a number of South African prominent Deejays. Portia Luma has recently made her first tv appearance as an artist on SABC 2’s Hectic Nine-9s and has made features on The Urban Beat show on Metro FM. With a recent release of her debut single titled ‘Ubomi’, the sky is definitely the limit for this lady.
Sho!Mag: Before we go in, let us thank you for taking some time out just to talk to us. And personally some of us have always wondered. Is Portia Luma your real name, or is it just a stage name? And currently where about in Mzansi are you based?
Portia Luma: Thanks for having me. Haha it is indeed my real name. I was born in the Eastern Cape but currently reside in Cape Town, Western Cape.
Sho!Mag: I have noticed that most musicians have some sort of Musical Background be it a Musical Family or a Musical Family Member. Are you one of those Musicians who are fortunate enough to have had a musical family? And how did your musical journey begin?
Portia Luma: I come from quite an extended family and yes there are a few musicians as well as members who have actually been actively involved in the music industry. Unfortunately for me we are not that connected so my musical journey literally started from scratch.
Sho!Mag: Can you tell us, what does Portia Luma do in the Music Industry? Are you a Deejay or a House Music Producer and which one do you prefer better than the other?
Portia Luma: Well I am involved in quite a number of ways in the industry from playing music to managing artists that make music as well. I would say I enjoy playing over everything though as it means I get to interact with people which brings me a lot of joy.
Sho!Mag: We’ve heard from a ‘little birdie’ that you have a banging single currently out, what is the name of the track and how would you describe the kind of sound which makes up that track?
Portia Luma: Lol that is quite true. It is my debut house single titled ‘Ubomi‘ which features ‘Liyanna B’ on vocals and ‘Bee Deejay’ on co-production. It is an afro-house song that is very “African” which is pretty much the style of music that I am into and play.
Sho!Mag: Is it your first track? Or have you released music before and how has the reception been towards your music by the public?
Portia Luma: It’s my very first single. Previously what I used to do was compile music from different artists and release mixtapes on my site was as well as on itunes. The reception has been very heart-warming and supportive from the general public, fans as well as radio stations such as Metro FM – where it has been aired on multiple occasions.
Sho!Mag: Will the single be part of an album and are there any plans to follow up on that single with another one? Or better yet is there an album on the cards?
Portia Luma: Right now I am taking things one step at a time, there aren’t any plans regarding an album but what I can say is that there is more music on the way including a collaboration with ‘Rubygold’.
Sho!Mag: Who have you worked with when it comes to your tracks? Are there any collaborations worth mentioning?
Portia Luma: Ubomi is my first single so I don’t have many people that I can say I have worked with. However, one noteworthy artist would have to be ‘Bee Deejay’ with whom I collaborated with in co-producing ‘Ubomi’. He has been in the industry for over 10 years and was also my mentor when it came to deejaying.
Sho!Mag: They say a music career is a hard one, where an artist can’t just survive only on music. They have to have some ‘side hustle’, do you agree with that? And if so, besides music and making music what keeps you busy?
Portia Luma: I totally agree, the cost of living nowadays is too high for a person to solely rely on one source of income. My “side hustle” still revolves around music as I co-own an artist management & entertainment company as well as a clothing line. I am also a part-time marketing student.
Sho!Mag: I always enjoy asking this question, because to me it defines the musician and for everyone I have asked, they have given me totally different responses. Let’s see if you can. Define your perfect ‘set’ what kind of music genre is Portia Luma most likely to play or jam to?
Portia Luma: I have a very open ear when it comes to listening to music but when it comes to deejaying, I am a lover of afro house and a bit of soul.
Sho!Mag: Lastly where and how can we get your new single and any advice for some young ladies who would love to follow in your footsteps?
Portia Luma: My single is available for download on quite a lot of online platforms such as Soundcloud, Fakaza, Audiomack and many more – google it 😉
Regarding advice, I would say find your role in the industry, by that I am not just referring to the music industry but rather the job or even entrepreneurial industries. Thereafter set goals for yourself, short and long term as to how you will go about reaching or achieving them.
Get in-touch with Portia Luma through On Social Media Facebook Instagram Twitter
For Bookings Contact Portia Luma
Email: portialumabookings@gmail.com
Mobile: 073 750 5307