WeeklySA_AdminEXPOSURE: Eastern Cape-born singer Leepearl turns rural roots into chart success, with her breakout Gqom hits earning national airplay, award nominations and a fast-growing fan base as she readies a new EP…
By Siyabonga Kamnqa
Phelokazi Mdashe, popularly known as Leepearl, is riding the crest of a wave in the South African music industry.
The 27-year-old Lekompo and Gqom songstress has been enjoying huge success on the Mzansi music scene, on the back of her popular songs such as Ndinawe, Zaka, Anawo amandla and Sezobuya. Hailing from the deep rural Eastern Cape villages of Ngcobo, Leepearl says she knew from a young age that she would be a famous musician one day.
“I used to mimic popular musicians such as Makhadzi and dreamt of becoming a successful musician. My peers often thought I was crazy when I used to tell them that they would one day watch me on TV entertaining people through my music,” recalls Leepearl.
She began singing in local choirs and participating in school music competitions, which helped develop her craft. After completing her education, Leepearl pursued a career in music, determined to share her talent with the world.
She considers herself fortunate that her big break finally came when she started gaining recognition on the Gqom music scene. Her unique sound, which blends traditional South African rhythms with modern beats, resonated with fans across the country.
Says Leepearl: “I am grateful to the Almighty that today I am living my dream. Nothing fulfils my heart more than being on stage and making people dance and have fun,” she says.
The response from her fans, says Leepearl, has been extremely amazing. She says she’s over the moon about getting the exposure she has always desired and getting nationwide bookings. The hit Gqom song that launched her music career has to be iPhakade Lam which she wrote in 2024.
To this day, it is still on high rotation on national radio stations such as Umhlobo Wenene and Metro FM and continues to set the dance floors ablaze.
Currently, Leepearl tells Weekly SA Mirror that she is sweating it out in the studio working on an EP comprising five songs featuring surprise celebrities that she can’t divulge for now. She says she grew up obsessed with Limpopo award-winning songstress Makhadzi.
“She has the same character as me and the same goals. I would love to work with Zintle Kwaaiman and Mr Thela and Cairo CPT, all of whom are musicians that I also admire,” she says.
Leepearl’s talent hasn’t gone unnoticed and she has been nominated for prestigious awards, including the Mamas and Artes awards.
“I guess it is every artist’s dream to be recognised for the work that you do and I’m no exception. These nominations are a testament to my hard work and dedication to my craft,” she says.
