Andile Mathobela, shares his insights into what Lekompo is and why we need to care.
A Cultural Wave Gaining Unstoppable Momentum
South Africa’s music landscape is shifting and it’s being powered by the Lekompo sound. A genre born from the vibrancy of Limpopo’s youth and rooted in the historical identity of farm workers (“Makompo”), Lekompo blends traditional beats with Afrobeat, house, and township flair.
As a cultural observer, journalist and event producer, I’ve seen sounds come and go. But what’s happening with Lekompo is different, it is turning into a cultural movement. And to all the brand managers out there, this is your early warning: now is the time to get in before the wave becomes mainstream marketing currency.
Lekompo’s Digital Footprint: More Than Just Hype
Lekompo isn’t just blowing up in taverns and taxi ranks, it’s dominating digital. The genre’s leading artists are drawing millions of views, streams, and followers across platforms like TikTok, YouTube, Facebook, and Spotify. These aren’t inflated metrics, they represent highly engaged, mobile-savvy, township-based fans who stream, share, and participate in culture with passion.
Take Kharishma, dubbed the Queen of Lekompo. Her breakout single Chokeslam racked up:
- 7.2 million views on YouTube in just 7 months
- Over 20 million streams across platforms
- 1.2 million TikTok followers, 583K Facebook followers, and 138K YouTube subscribers
Her partnership with Virgin Music Group South Africa in 2025 is a sign of how global players are now circling this local sound.
Tribby wa Di Bhozza: A Rapper Redefining Vernac Cool
With over 527K followers on TikTok and 347K on Facebook, Tribby wa Di Bhozza is giving Lekompo street cred in the rap lane.
His track Nxuteleleng gained 501K YouTube views in just one month, proving that Lekompo artists are more than viral one hit wonders they keep drawing in the crowds.
These artists are not over-exposed influencers. They are culturally authentic, hyper-local, and represent voices rarely amplified in traditional campaigns, yet they drive some of the highest music engagement in the country.
Listen to Tribby Wadi Bhozza in the player below.
Janesh: A Modern Icon in the Making
With over 700K monthly listeners on Spotify, 5.7M views on her YouTube single “Ngwanaka” (ranked #11 in top music videos), and nearly 1M followers on TikTok, Janesh is a marketer’s dream.
She connects with both urban and rural youth, bridging the cultural divide and speaks to a modern, tech-enabled Limpopo that knows its worth.
Click play below to listen to Janesh now.
Shandesh: A Star with True Cross-Generational Appeal
At just 19, Shandesh is rewriting what it means to be a young, female voice from Limpopo.
Her song Sdudla or Slender has 11M YouTube views in 3 months, currently sitting at #4 in SA’s Top Music Videos.
Her following? 225K Instagram followers, 1.8M TikTok followers, 613K Facebook fans.
And yet, you’ll rarely see her featured in mainstream brand campaigns. Why? Because the industry often overlooks talent from rural provinces until it’s too late.
Listen to Shandesh in the player below…
What Is Lekompo and Why Should Brands Care?
“Lekompo” is derived from “compound” historically referring to farmworkers’ accommodation. Over time, the term evolved to describe a music style grounded in DISCO, Bolobedu vibes, and local storytelling.
With modern influences and the creative spark of artists like DJ Call Me SA and Motion Roots, Lekompo now occupies a powerful place in youth culture.
Its themes are universal: love, heartbreak, family, hustle, and celebration. It resonates across generations. And it’s particularly potent for brands looking to connect with LSM 4–7 markets.
Why Now Is the Time for Brands to Act
Let’s be clear, Lekompo is on the rise, and brands that embed themselves into this culture early will win big. Here’s why:
- Explosive Growth: Artists like Kharishma, Janesh, and Shandesh are matching and exceeding some major label acts in streaming and social numbers.
- Untapped Influence: These artists speak to a loyal, underserved audience that rarely sees itself reflected in mainstream media.
- Authenticity is Currency: Lekompo artists are raw, real, and deeply connected to their communities, perfect for campaigns that want authenticity over polish.
- Digital-First Fans: This audience lives online. From TikTok dance challenges to YouTube premieres, Lekompo is where the engagement lives.
- Cross-Age Appeal: Unlike some niche genres, Lekompo works across age groups, making it ideal for brands targeting both Gen Z and older township consumers.
A Call to Action for Brand Managers
Partner with a Lekompo artist now, and you’ll be seen as an early adopter, savvy, bold, and in touch. Wait another year, and you’ll be fighting for space in an already saturated genre.
Whether it’s township-focused FMCG products, youth-driven telco campaigns, financial literacy drives, or community initiatives, Lekompo artists are ideal ambassadors for messaging that wants to stick.
About Andile Mathobela:
Andile Mathobela, also known as “The Journalist,” is a prominent figure in the South African media and music industries. Born and raised in Warrenton, Northern Cape, he is currently based in Johannesburg, Gauteng.
Known for his commitment to documenting and shaping South African youth culture, business, and music. He is a strong advocate for video content and believes in the potential of niche digital publishing in Africa.
