Kat Dahlia and Da L.E.S join forces

Da Les, whose real name is Leslie Mampe, recently released his second solo album, ‘Mandela Money’.

‘Clocks’ is the first single off this album, and it’s for a remix of this track that Cuban-American singer Dahlia, known for her hit ‘Gangsta’, collaborated with him.

“I feature her on the remix,” Da Les told SunBuzz. “It is an energetic and cool song. She was extremely excited to work with me on the song. We even shot the music video for it.”

Speaking about his new album, the rapper said he chose the title because he wanted it to be pertinent to current issues in South Africa.

“‘Mandela Money’ is relevant,” he said. “There’s been a change in our currency. I just wanted to make it more of a lifestyle and a way of thinking. I want to achieve big things.”

Born in Washington DC to South African parents studying in the States, Da Les moved to SA when his parents returned in 1993.

He kicked off his rapping career alongside Ishmael ‘Ish’ Morabe and Bongani ‘Bongz’ Fassie in 2007, as one part of hip hop trio Jozi, who broke onto the music scene with very popular album ‘Muthaland Crunk’, for which they won an MTV Africa Music Awards (MAMA). The offering also received nominations for a South African Music Award (SAMA), Metro FM Award, and a Channel O Award.

In 2008, Da Les released a solo debut album called ‘Fresh 2 Def’, which proved equally successful with nominations for both a SAMA and MAMA. He has enjoyed great success with the other singles for ‘Mandela Money; Kontrol’ featuring fellow rapper AKA and ‘Heaven’ with AKA and Maggz.

– TEAMtalk Media