Creative Direction: Mukondeleli Mushiana
Photography: Rofhiwa Kutama
Lighting: Matt Rams
Wardrobe: Thriftplek
Styling: Tandaza Simama
Make-up: Amka Tonia/Amka Beauty
Hair: Nsindiso Khumalo
Cover Design: Thabiso Dhlamini

Put a finger down if you discovered Lia Butler on SoundCloud a few years ago. The real ones probably remember hearing her take on Amalobola (Slow Jam sase Mlazi). What started off as her rendition of the classic, is somewhat a contributing factor to her further discovering her sound.

From her earlier work on STE (Smile Through Everything), Amakhava and Isiqephu, Lia has continued honouring her style, further solidifying how amazing she is as a storyteller. Using melodies and hooks as a form of healing, harnessing her gift of music to connect with listeners.

Over the last few years, we’ve witnessed Lia’s musical career blossoming right before our eyes. From touring with Desire Marea and Izimakade Zezulu to performing at various music festivals and releasing her debut single “UCU.”

“Impilo isishitshile, sengizoba inkinga kakhulu”

– Lia Butler

She’s graced our screens and playlist rotations with her rendition of what I’m calling “her love letter describing the beauty of falling in love”. I know you’ve come across the cover art for “Imimangaliso.” When we went on a little deep dive, we learnt that red represents love, passion and joy. When we link it back to Lia, she describes how red symbolises her music. Listening to her or seeing her perform evokes emotions of joy, love and passion and it’s all embodied in her music and who she is.

“Ngi nkanyezi ke mina, mawu buka uzoxopheka.”

– Lia Butler