Sleezy Luciano

The Soweto rapper talks about music, acting and how fatherhood has influenced him

- MELON RADEBE

THIS local musician is making waves with the release of his second album Diba and a Dream and its first single, Django. We caught up with the 28-year old, who’s also an accomplished actor.

YOUR BIRTH NAME IS SIYABONGA DLAMINI. WHERE DOES SLEEZY LUCIANO COME FROM?

Luciano means light [in Latin] and as an artist I’ve always strived to shine some light with my music. Sleezy comes from slick.

I have a stutter, but you can’t tell that I have it when I’m rapping. So when I’m on the mic, I’m just slick and smooth like butter.

WHAT GOT YOU INTO MUSIC?

I fell in love with hip-hop when I realised I could articulate myself better through it. That day I knew I’d found my thing. And I’ve always been an entertainer. Whenever we had family gatherings, I would always entertain everyone – I would dance and sing. With hip-hop, I can write my own story and share it.

TELL US ABOUT DIBA AND A DREAM