Birthplace: Daveyton, Gauteng
Born: 17 July 1977
Died: 23 October 2006
“You learn from the negative and the positive aspects.” – Lebo Mathosa
From an early age, Lebo Mathosa’s talent as a singer was clear. She began singing in the local church choir at the age of seven and never looked back.
As a teenager still at school at St Mary’s High in Joburg, music producer Don Laka watched Mathosa singing at a club. He recognised her potential and the mega-hit band Boom Shaka was born.
The other members of Boom Shaka were Thembi Seete, Theo Nhlengethwa and Junior Sokhela. Together they became one of the most successful kwaito groups of the 1990’s.
Their single It’s about time, became an anthem for teenagers and was an overnight hit.
The two females can be credited for introducing new dance styles, fashion and hairstyles to teenage girls in the mid nineties.
Despite Boom Shaka’s success, Mathosa decided to go solo in 1999. Mathosa’s first album titled Dream went gold within weeks of its launch.
Dream earned her the Best Dance Album and the Best Female Vocalist awards at the 2001 South African Music Awards (Sama’s). Her second album Drama Queen also earned the best dance album at the Sama’s.
Though Mathosa was mainly a singer she also tried her hand at acting and appeared in the local soapie Muvhango. One of Mathosa’s most memorable performances was at Nelson Mandela’s 85th birthday party.
Mzansi was stunned on 23 October 2006 when Mathosa died in a horrific car accident when her driver lost control of the car and smashed into a tree.
