Morné Lesley finds creative solace in Secunda
A highlight in his career was when the song he wrote himself, “Always be There” became a hit and the album reached gold status in 1999
SECUNDA – He is not Elvis Presley and does not want to be known as an Elvis impersonator.
But be that as it may, even the King himself would have agreed that Morné Lesley (39) does his songs justice.
He even has those recognisable sideburns of an older Elvis.
“I have more to offer than just singing Elvis music. And no, I will not wear the Elvis outfits!”
Lesley was barely 14-years-old when he sang “Blue Suede Shoes” for the first time while a school friend, Mac Young, plucked the strings of his guitar.
They grew up together in Springs and were in grade 8 (standard 6) in Hoërskool Hugenote.
Mac still recorded their effort on a TDK cassette tape and vowed not to let Morné’s strict Irish father, Brian, find out that they were into Rock n Roll.
Morné instinctively expected a thrashing when his father did find the tape.
“I was stunned when he asked me why I had kept my talent a secret.
“Although we did not have a car or money, my father put in so much effort to get me noticed,” said Morné.
They signed his first management contract at Project 4 Music under Peter and Francois Wolmarans in 1994.
The young boy who sounded so much like Elvis soon became a hit in the music industry.
He was interviewed by Fanus Rautenbach and performed on live radio.
In 1996 he had his first live performance with a live band at his school’s Hugenote Houtstokfees where he shared the stage with artists such as Steve Hofmeyr, Patricia Lewis, Little Sister and PJ Powers.
The South African country legend and record producer, Gene Rockwell, noticed Morné that year and phoned Mr Brian Lesley.
“When my dad told me that Gene wanted to meet me, I ran all the way from our street (Madeley Street) to his house in Frikkie Street. I was awestruck and just wrote down all the information he asked.”
Rockwell offered Morné a recording contract at BMG Record Africa to record an Elvis Presley Medley album. Rockwell planned to release the album worldwide.
“He became my mentor in the music industry.
“The album was recorded, but Gene died before its release. I could not bring myself to release the album without him,” explained Morné.
He has lived in the spotlight since with numerous television appearances, stage performances and the release of several albums.
He rubbed shoulders with most of South Africa’s well-known artists.
A highlight in his career was when the song he wrote himself, “Always be There” became a hit and the album reached gold status in 1999. It was his third album.
“Always be there” became the number one hit song on East Rand Stereo 93.9 FM and also the most requested song in one day.
It was also hailed as the fastest rising song on other stations.
It was also aired in several other countries with the song “Sê dit Weer” becoming a favourite in Holland.
Morné performed and toured the country in the years since, but the entertainment business has not always been kind to him. His brooding eyes and visibly thinner frame are tell-tale signs of heartaches and disappointments.
A broken marriage led to Morné recording a song “Separate Ways” and an album that was later privately distributed.
Morné left the entertainment business in 2013 after his divorce.
He worked at KES Engineering Tool and Die Making for almost two years, but his love for music made him yearn for the stage and entertaining others.
He returned to the stage in 2015, all the while recording and releasing more albums.
Gospel is the genre that most appeals to him.
“When I am alone and need peace. Gospel is my way of connecting deeper with God.”
On the advice of his best friends, he has recently moved to Secunda to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life and concentrate more on his music and recording company.
“I like this town and I enjoy performing in the area. I have been warmly received by fans and even those who are not familiar with my music. I hope perform more in this area.”
