Lebo Mathosa still reigns supreme as she remains hailed as South Africa’s Queen of Dance. Her legacy as an artist comprises of highlights of remarkable live performances, stage presence and impeccable vocals. It has been 16 years since the iconic figure passed away, but she still lives through her music. She left an indelible mark in the hearts of music lovers – young and old alike.
After being the lead singer of Boom Shaka, she went on a successful solo career and cemented her presence on both the airwaves and dancefloors. A few local producers have honoured her memory and musical contributions in her memory and the hits she brought us. They have embarked on a remix project for her three mega-hits:
- Au Dede
- I Love Music
- Brand New Day
Amapiano titan, Josiah De Disciple, affectionately known as Grootman Ya Namba, has remixed Au Dede. He gives it a laid-back interpretation that would have one excused for thinking the song was entirely brand new. He melds Lebo’s vocals and lyrics seamlessly into today’s sound.
Lebo Mathosa – Forever
Josiah has released a string of his own bangers, including his latest EP, The Interlude featuring hits such as Amaphupho and Ezizweni. As a dance music hitmaker, Josiah found it fitting to pay tribute to Lebo in the best way a musician icon can be celebrated and remembered – through song. The track sees Lebo’s vocals being remixed into a whole new Amapiano groove that was crafted to perfection for today’s party scene and chill sessions.
Due to the modernisation of music consumption through digital formatting, such projects aim to ensure that the South African music catalogue remains accessible. We don’t want our rich musical culture fading away or being lost due to digitisation. The era of physical records has passed when valuable music would fade into oblivion due to loss, damage or going out of print.
As we celebrate and commemorate the legend that is Lebo, there is no better way to carry her legacy forward than by keeping her voice echoing in our spaces. This includes through the ever-changing sonic landscape. The brand new Lebo Mathosa EP is titled Forever. It will feature remixes and also digitally remastered original versions of the remixed hits.
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