She's always used music as a form of self-expression. Whether she was singing as part of a church group or on world stages, she wanted her music to mean something.
Thapelo Lekoane (33) is a singer and songwriter who realised quite early in her life that she wanted to sing and she pursued that dream relentlessly.
She started singing when she was eight and has gone on to share stages with some of the world’s greatest artists. Now she is ready for the world to connect with her own music.
Thapelo grew up in Alexandra, Johannesburg. She tells Drum how she became a singer.
“My mother started a mini church singing group in our neighbourhood to get all the kids together. She would get me to sing while she was playing the keyboard and at the age of 12, I knew that I wanted to pursue it so my parents got me to join the church choir where I could express myself through music.”
She found her voice and music became a form of expression for her. Although music is a universal language, she believes it is important to have intent with each song.
After high school, she went on to study a Bachelor of Music Honours degree in vocal performance at Wits University and hasn't looked back.
“My motivation is to make music that serves people, with lyrics based on life experiences and it’s important that I make my music timeless so that you can always listen to it later in life.”
But it's not as simple as putting words on paper then singing them into a microphone. Making music is a lot of work and she says on the days when she cannot create, she gives herself grace and doesn't put herself under pressure.
Thapelo was a finalist on the first season of The Voice South Africa. She has since worked as a music director and a performer at the South African Tourism Awards and had the honour of being the first female music director for the Castle Lite Hip Hop Herstory event that celebrated women in Hip Hop and the arts.
She released her debut album, Tapestry, last year in October called and it speaks about the journey of becoming and the difficulties that one may face as they grow in life.
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The album features legendary poet, Lebo Mashile and one of SA’s best new jazz artists, The SN Project.
Although her music is categorised under Jazz, she says that it is a fusion of Jazz and soul.
“I worked with many artists and my producer Llewellyn George, and the collaborative work was beautiful. We wanted to give the project the best we can give it. I am grateful for the all the artists that featured on it.”
