‘I have watched my mom sacrifice her dreams for me’ – Coolking SA
Alra Park’s Coolking SA (Alfred Lunga) is not only a talented recording and performing artist but a true inspiration.
Born on October 27, 2000, he grew-up with his parents until the age of 10 when he tragically lost his father.
Following his father’s death, his mother, who worked as a domestic worker, became a single parent to him and his younger brother, who was just five years old at the time.
“I have watched my mom sacrifice her dreams for me and my younger brother. She had to work as a domestic worker for almost her whole life but still managed to raise me and my young brother with a salary that a child from a rich family would consider an allowance.”
“I’ve seen her sacrifice a lot of things to see me and my brother happy and for that am forever grateful and I pray that God blesses me so I can bless her” – Coolking SA.
His musical style is an eclectic fusion of African melodies, Afropop, and Hip Hop. His sound pays homage to South African legends like Mzekezeke and Zola, who not only created great music but also inspired, motivated, and offered hope to their listeners. A tradition he aims to uphold, using his talents to uplift and inspire those who resonate with his music.
“This shift in my family dynamic deeply influenced the music I create today. My musical style is more than a beat with vocals rather it serves as a compelling wake-up call and a source of inspiration for my audience, reflecting the challenges and triumphs of my journey.”
“I fell in love with music after I lost my dad it’s the only thing that held me by the hand through that hard journey and healed me. From then I knew that words can heal a person through instruments. I officially started my music journey in 2014 as a hip-hop artist after being inspired by artists like Cassper Nyovest, AKA, Pro Kid and groups like Cash Time Life, TLT and WTF,” says Coolking SA.
“My key source for creating music is mostly inspired by life experiences and situations I’ve witnessed during my upbringing mostly in my hood. In terms of my creativity, I take inspiration mostly from the late Mandoza because he embraced the township lifestyle and challenges we face daily.”
He says his stage name is inspired by his kindness and humbleness. “A lot of people used to refer to me as the Coolest, I decided to add King because I’ve always known I’d be the King of the music industry in South Africa.”
He is not only a musician but a model and a fashion designer with aspirations to one day establish his fashion line.
In 2018, Coolking achieved a milestone that set him apart, becoming the first East Rand artist to join the prestigious Amped Africa Youth Creatives alongside prominent artists like the late Costa Titch and Phantom Steez. His dedication and undeniable talent earned him nominations for Best Upcoming Artist and Most Hustling Artist at the GAMA Awards that same year.
Fast forward to 2020, Coolking unveiled his debut mixtape, “Ghetto Hero,” in March. The response was nothing short of phenomenal, with the mixtape garnering an impressive 10,000 digital streams within just one week. Following the success of his mixtape he collaborated with Thee Mrara Twins to release an Amapiano joint EP, featuring one of his biggest hits, “AY YEBO.”
Recently he released an EP titled Sekunjalo along with the visuals for his lead single Vuka Uyophanda.
On October 27 he will be hosting his birthday celebration and a popcorn night show in John Dube Mzulu’s Place.
“I would love to see all my people there to celebrate with us.”
“I just want all my fans to be inspired and motivated by my music because the music I make is more than just art to me but reality and experiences. I just want a child who comes from nothing to listen to my music and be inspired to do anything they dream of,” he says.
