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A billboard promoting the Cape Town show was unveiled in Orlando, just footsteps from Lebo M's home.
Lebo M is building up to his first ever concert in SA. Picture: thereallebo_m/ Instagram
In his speech at an event honouring renowned music producer Lebo M, Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi said Lebo M’s legacy will live beyond his years.
“This is the honour that you deserve and that one day, an airport will be named after you, or a highway or a school or a bridge,” said the politician.
Lesufi was speaking at the I’m from Soweto held in Rosebank last week to honour Lebo ahead of his first ever live performance in South Africa this Friday.
The event was organised by Lebo M and was supported by the City of Johannesburg.
The 60-year-old Lebo M was born and raised in Tladi, Soweto, and left the country to become a respected producer internationally.
A massive billboard structure promoting the upcoming Cape Town show was unveiled in Orlando, just footsteps away from the home where Lebo M grew up.
Lebo M critical of government
Lebo M’s journey began with The Power of One and reached global acclaim with Disney’s The Lion King. His pioneering work reshaped how African music is experienced worldwide.
An Oscar nominee and Grammy winner, Lebo M is globally recognised for his role in bringing African music to the world – as a composer, producer and performer.
At the launch of Lebo M’s upcoming Cape Town show late last year, the musician was critical of the government.
Like The Lion King last year, South Africa celebrated its 30 years of democracy in 2024. Still, Lebo M didn’t see that as a noteworthy thing to mention when he noted the significant events in and around his life, at the launch.
“I’m very conscious of 30 years of the new dispensation. I’m often very reluctant to say democracy or any of that.”
He says he doesn’t mention South Africa’s democracy because the arts and entertainment industry remains disadvantaged in Mzansi.
“In the last 30 years, I think it’s the most disrespected [industry]. Artists have proven over and over again without resources, without governmental support and business because it’s not just government alone. I don’t think there’s much to celebrate yet,” he said.
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Taking over Cape Town
Leading up to the anticipated event on Good Friday, Lebo M hosted Film & Music Workshops at the Artscape Theatre Centre where the likes of Yanga Chief, singer songwriter Tresor spoke.
For the concert on Friday, Lebo M will have long-time collaborator, friend and respected composer Hans Zimmer’ as one of his guests.
“My music is – and always will be – rooted in home soil, and I couldn’t be more excited about staging my first live concert season in Cape Town,” said Lebo M.
MiCasa, The Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra, The Soweto Spiritual Singers, The Ndlovu Youth Choir, Nkosinathi Shabalala and Refi Sings are also expected to perform on Friday.
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