DEPARTURE LOUNGE // SPRING 2017
How I
It’s been seven years since Lloyd Cele competed in
Idols SA and shot to local stardom, famously missing
out on winning the competition to his good friend
Elvis Blue, who then gave his buddy half his windfall –
as each agreed they would if the other won.
TRAVEL
with Lloyd Cele
PHOTO BY HUW MORRIS
It’s been a good seven years for Cele, a self-taught musician
who plays guitar, keyboard and saxophone and writes most
of his own songs. These days he tours practically non-stop
as a musician, but also works as a TV presenter and a public
speaker. He swears by travelling light, so we met up with
him between flights to see just how seriously he takes it
(spoiler alert: very).
3
1 | BOOK
I always have a book with me. Right now I’m re-reading How to Win
Friends and Influence People, by Dale Carnegie. I love this book. It
really talks about practical things you can do on a day-to-day basis
to connect with people. I get refresher tips out of it often.
2 | YAMAHA SILENT GUITAR
I always carry it with me, it’s like my baby, just don’t tell my wife that!
It’s a silent guitar, which means no one but me can hear it when I
plug in earphones. What’s awesome is that I can jam at the airport
or wherever I am without causing a disturbance. Often people look
at me strangely, or some may say “Hey, that’s Lloyd, let’s take a
picture.” The funniest thing that ever happened while strumming
my guitar at an airport is that someone tried to give me money, and
I had to explain that I wasn’t busking! Seriously, though, as an artist
you have to make music everywhere and anywhere, and be
able to draw inspiration and creativity from whatever situation
you find yourself in on the road. So my guitar keeps me going,
and it helps entertai