Helmut Lotti, is a Flemish Belgian tenor and singer-songwriter.
Background
The son of Luc and Rita (née Lagrou) Lotigiers, Lotti was born Helmut Barthold Johannes Alma Lotigiers in Ghent, Belgium, and began his singing career with a visual and singing style in an obvious imitation of Elvis Presley, and was described as "De Nieuwe Elvis" (in Dutch) or "The New Elvis".
Career
Lotti performs in several styles and languages. Once an Elvis impersonator, he has sung African and Latino hit records, and he crossed over into classical music in the 1990s. His first two albums were Vlaamse Nachten ("Flemish Nights", 1990) and Alles Wat Ik Voel ("All That I Feel", 1992).
After a few more albums, he changed direction in 1995 with the first of what became a long series of "Helmut Lotti Goes Classic" albums, which proved to increase his popularity.
Since 2000 he has also made successful recordings in traditional Latino, African and Russian-style music Helmut Lotti sings fluently in his mother language Dutch, as well as Afrikaans, English, French, German, Hebrew, Italian, Latin, Russian, Spanish, and Ukrainian.
He has sold over 13 million albums worldwide and received over 90 platinum and 70 gold albums. Lotti does volunteer work as an ambassador for United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund. Lotti took part in the 0110 concerts against racism, organised by Tom Barman.
In his "Out of Africa" album, African and African themed songs are arranged for symphony orchestra, choir, and soloist.
lieutenant was recorded with the Golden Symphonic Orchestra at the Bosotho Cultural Village in the Maluti Mountains in South Africa. Track Listing:
Out of Africa
Asimbonanga
Malaika
Circle Of Qongqothwane
The Lion Sleeps Tonight
Shosholoza
Umakoti
Jikela Emaweni Hamba
Tula Tula
Sarie Marais
Kumbaya My Lord
Pata Pata
African Sunrise
Minapendawe
My Angel
Nkosi Sikelele Africa
Jay Jay Coolay.