Paralympic champion Lucas Sithole is expected to drop his third studio album following a hiatus from music since 2016. Sithole, the wheelchair tennis star, says though he loves music, he will not transition from his role as a quad tennis player to pursue a full-time career in maskandi music.

NEW MUSIC 

Sithole is among the Paralympians set to represent the South African Paralympic Team at the upcoming Paralympic Games in Paris later this month. The well-travelled champion first released the albums Ngidla Usizi in 2014 and Ezintebeni in 2016 but said both albums did not do well because he did not have enough time to promote them. "This time around, I am working closely with the Nyatee Foundation to make sure that I take my craft to the people. I’m doing things differently this time, and the foundation is handling all my affairs," he said. Currently ranked as South Africa’s number one player in the quad division and eighth in the World Rankings, Sithole plans to release his Izinto Zomhlaba Maskandi EP. "My passion for music has been longstanding, but my busy schedule and extensive travel have not made it easy for me to pursue it. I have collaborated with individuals who appreciate my musical style, as I have long admired the late maskandi artist Mtshengiseni Gcwensa," he said.

INSPIRATIONAL MUSIC

Sithole revealed that his Izinto Zomhlaba EP will feature eight tracks, and it is set to be released in September to coincide with his birthday. "My music is very different because it serves to inspire. I aspire to be the first person with a disability to excel in major sports while also doing music," he said. Sithole added that his music style is unique, blending elements of gospel and maskandi. "I also do soulful maskandi music for lovers; as you know, most of our songs motivate people to spread love. Once we are happily in love, we can have a happy society that is loving and caring," said the father of three. Sithole has not only mastered tennis skills but has managed to win over 40 singles titles in his career.