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La Diva struts her stuff during her tour of South Africa

Jonathan Mbiriyamveka Entertainment Reporter
United Kingdom-based Zimbabwean songstress Leila Million (formerly Letwin Berebende) says she has gone through a lot of hardships in life such that she now wants to tell her stories through hosting her own talk show.
The musician, who uses the name La Diva on stage, says there is so much about her life story which she cannot put into music.
“I have been hurt a lot in my life. I went through a lot of trials and tribulations some of which were from the people that I cared so much about.

I didn’t know that depression exists but when I had depression I understood what it was all about. I’m a survivor because I could have died because of depression,” La Diva said.

She said her story will not only inspire other people but also help them to deal with difficulties in life such as depression.
“So for me to press myself fully I think a talk show will be the best platform to teach others how to go through depression and even challenges in life. As I grew up my life was full of ups and downs which I feel will assist others to be strong and eventually happy,” she said.

The “Desire” hitmaker celebrated her birthday in style with a one-off show held at the Book Cafe recently.
Scores of music lovers turned up for what became a show to remember with La Diva churning out hit after hit.

Her type of music draws a lot from rhumba/soukous and pop moved the crowd from start to finish.
She also sampled songs from her latest album including the track “Mufaro” (I Desire Love) which is based on her life experiences.

“La’ Diva is musically hardworking and will do anything {right} to get what she wants. Being a musician was never my intention but a calling. I started recording after a miraculous healing when God gave me back my life.

“In December 2004, I recorded my debut album ‘From Despair to Destiny’ . . . the sound of its lead guitar is not for the ear alone but it also wipes away tears and I see heaven’s doors opening, I see hope coming,” she once said in an interview.

“Kamkomana” is another enjoyable and sing-along track with a mid-tempo beats. The song was inspired by one of the stories her grandmother used to tell her during her teens. The song takes you down the memory in the village when youths would tease each other through song especially at parties.

According to La Diva, the song brings a lot of sweet memories since it also tackled the issue of playing house and cheaters.
Another track she said was inspired by the good old days is “Abero” which is about a naughty and troublesome guy of the same name.

Other tracks that make up the album are “Desire”, “Hold On” and “Humambo”. On the tracks La Diva ensures that her voice comes out naturally while at the same time not afraid of trying out new things.

Her other previous albums are “From Despair To Destiny” (2004), “I’m Redeemed “ (2006), “Ain’t Givin Up” (2007) and “Zeal For Your House” released in 2008.
All the albums were produced under the name Letwin Berebende. La Diva also says that she is passionate about reaching out to lost souls through her music.

She said due to overwhelming response from her fans, her next album will be wholly traditional with folklore songs. La Diva assumed her aunt’s name Leila and father’s name Million to come up with her new identity.