In a recent interview South Africa’s hottest export and hitmaker Tyla was asked about her biggest music influences growing up. The ‘pretty girl from Joburg’ didn’t have to think about the answer and directly mentioned Brenda Fassie and Lebo Mathosa.
It is sad to think that these two legends, divas, icons died two years apart but it cannot be denied that their legacy will forever live on.
JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA – APRIL 20: Musical artist Lebo Mathosa performs on stage as part of “MTV Base 100th Live!” at the Ster-Kinekor Top Star Drive-In on April 20, 2005 in Johannesburg, South Africa. The concert is being held to celebrate the launch of MTV base, MTV’s first pan-African music channel and MTV Networks’ 100th channel worldwide. (Photo by Bruno Vincent/Getty Images)
Lebo Mathosa was a force to be reckoned with in her own right despite the constant Brenda Fassie comparisons. It can be said though that she inherited the throne that Brenda left vacant after her death. They both were cut from the same cloth; great stage presence, an unapologetic nature and lived their life for themselves and gave their all to their fans.
Lebo’s career was the blueprint of many successful artists back then. She started in a group (Boom Shaka) after being discovered by a Johannesburg-DJ as the main singer which gave us the classic hit ‘Its about Time’ and went on to change the landscape of kwaito music groups.
She then went on to release her first solo album in 1999 titled‘Dream’ (2000). That album was followed by two more chart topping albums, ‘Drama Queen’ (2004) which contained the dance anthem ‘Awudede’ which is still played at nightclubs and similar establishments.
The last album ‘Lioness’ (2006) before her death, gave us ‘I love Music’ which showcased a more stripped down version of Lebo but the glamour was still there. These albums solidified her place amongst South Africa’s music royalty.
The rise to stardom didn’t just end with her making her mark in music but she was a part of a few South African television productions such as ‘Generations’, ‘Backstage’ and ‘Muvhango’. This made her one if not the first female triple-threat performer. She even was part of the launch of MTV Base here in South Africa when she performed at the MTV Base 100th live event.
The life story of this iconic diva was the subject of a short series “Dream:The Lebo Mathosa Story” which premiered on BET Africa where KB played the singer. The six-part biopic was directed by Portia Gumede who is well respected within the entertainment industry. She said the following when she was asked about the decision to focus on Lebo’s earlier life and experiences which inspired her sound;
“We kept clear of tabloid or mythical driven narrative, however, there in no avoiding unearthing the unknown-tastefully-which we believe we did well”.
Once again similar to Brenda Fassie, she is yet to get the cinematic tribute that she deserves but regardless her legacy will continue to live on years after that car crash on 23 October 2003 which took away one of South Africa’s most brightest stars.
