logo
Afro pop singer Lesego Reetseng set to make fiery comeback at ShowThemFlames Music Night

Afro pop singer Lesego Reetseng set to make fiery comeback at ShowThemFlames Music Night

TimesLIVE17-05-2025
After more than a decade away from the spotlight, celebrated musician, songwriter and performer Lesego Reetseng — simply known as Lesego — is making his long-awaited return to the stage.
The Klerksdorp-born artist, widely known for his chart-topping hit Viva Afrika Tau featuring the Jaziel Brothers, is set to light up the stage at the inaugural ShowThemFlames Music Night on May 30 at Hotel Sky Sandton in Johannesburg.
In an exclusive chat with TshisaLIVE, Lesego opened up about his time away from the music industry and what fans can expect from his big comeback.
'Like in any profession, one needs to take a break and rest a bit, and I felt I needed that opportunity,' he said. 'Music is a gift I was born with — it will always be in me. I've always loved the stage and missed performing for my fans. While I was resting, I was making super great music that I believe is ready to be shared now.'
With a renewed sense of purpose and creative energy, Lesego promises a show-stopping performance for old and new fans alike.
'Expect nothing less than the best from me,' he said. 'A super performance befitting of the love my fans have shown me. It's an amazing opportunity and the start of many great things to come.'
Reflecting on his journey, Lesego expressed deep gratitude to his supporters who've stayed by his side throughout the years.
'Every artist goes through that phase with each new offering, and I'm looking forward to the journey again. I want to thank my fans for holding it down for me — the love you're showing and wishing for me is amazing,' he added.
Lesego's return marks a new chapter in his career, and if his past hits are anything to go by, fans can expect a night of pure musical magic.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Emtee reunites with wife Nicole after spending days out of marital home
Emtee reunites with wife Nicole after spending days out of marital home

TimesLIVE

time15 hours ago

  • TimesLIVE

Emtee reunites with wife Nicole after spending days out of marital home

Mthembeni Ndevu, popularly known as Emtee, has rekindled his relationship with Nicole Chinsamy after their online outbursts. On August 12 Emtee went viral after unveiling his marital woes, when his wife allegedly shared screenshots of direct messages he's had with other women. Among the women is Big Brother Mzansi star Mshini Lekwadu. However, she poured cold water on speculation about infidelity, saying she was just a fan. Emtee continued to occupy the trends lists as he went live on Instagram speaking of his issue. A source close to the rapper revealed two musician friends helped him temporarily find a place to stay. Nicole went as far as covering up a tattoo she had on her ring finger in honour of their marriage. 'He doesn't want to be in the marriage. They do need help,' said the source, who revealed to TshisaLIVE that Emtee had moved out of the flat he shared with Nicole, and was staying with a friend in Fourways after filing for divorce in 2024.

Proteas' Keshav Maharaj tops the list of 5 best SA spinners after passing 300-wicket mark
Proteas' Keshav Maharaj tops the list of 5 best SA spinners after passing 300-wicket mark

IOL News

time20 hours ago

  • IOL News

Proteas' Keshav Maharaj tops the list of 5 best SA spinners after passing 300-wicket mark

Keshav Maharaj is the first South African spinner to take 300 wickets across formats. Picture: BackpagePix Image: BackpagePix Keshav Maharaj became the first South African spinner to pass 300 wickets across international formats on Tuesday. Independent Media profiles the five best spinners to have played for South Africa. No 1: Keshav Maharaj 2016-2025 Innings: 187, Overall Wickets: 304, Tests: 203, ODIs: 63, T20s: 38, 5+ wicket hauls: 12 South Africa's best-ever all-format spinner has continuously defied his critics. Pigeon-holed initially as a Test specialist, Maharaj elevated himself to the No 1 ODI bowler on the ICC global rankings, whilst also developing his game further to earn contracts in the various T20 Leagues around the world. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ No 2: Imran Tahir 2011-2019 Innings: 176, Overall Wickets: 291, Tests: 57, ODIs: 173, T20s: 63, 5+ wicket hauls: 7 The Lahore-born leg-spinner was a white-ball supremo that earned the adulation of the South African public not only through his charismatic celebrations, but also his world-class ability with the ball with his trademark googly flummoxing the opposition batters. At 45-years-old, Tahir is still a T20 League globetrotter, most notably in the Caribbean Premier League where he captains the champions, Guyana Amazon Warriors. No 3: Nicky Boje 1995-2006 Innings: 179, Overall Wickets: 197, Tests: 100, ODIs: 96, T20s: 1, 5+ wicket hauls: 4 A versatile allrounder who contributed significantly with the bat too, especially in ODI's. The left-arm spinner's crowning moment was during the second Test against India in 2000 when he claimed 5/83 to bowl South Africa to a mammoth innings and 71-run victory. It paved the way for the Proteas' only ever Test series win in India. No 4: Hugh Tayfield 1949-1960 Innings: 61, Overall Wickets: 170 Tests: 170, ODIs: -, T20s: -, 5+ wicket hauls: 14 The lanky off-spinner was South Africa's No 1 spinner prior to the sanctions being imposed due to Apartheid in 1970. He was not a particularly big turner off the ball, but was exceptionally accurate. No 5: Tabraiz Shamsi 2016-2025 Innings: 126, Overall Wickets: 168 Tests: 6, ODIs: 73, T20s: 89, 5+ wicket hauls: 2 The left-arm wrist spinner had to wait a lengthy period for his chance while Imran Tahir was in possession of South Africa's specialist spinner's role. Unlike Tahir though, who was fairly conventional, Shamsi possessed a bag of tricks that ultimately saw him succeed his teacher. Primarily a white-ball specialist, and most effective in T20s, Shamsi rose to the No 1 on the ICC rankings in the short format for a period of time. He was eventually handed a Test debut in South Africa's sole pink-ball day-night Test in Australia, but continued to be much-sought after in T20 Leagues around the world.

Understanding the Emissary Syndrome: Redi Tlhabi and Fanon's Warning
Understanding the Emissary Syndrome: Redi Tlhabi and Fanon's Warning

IOL News

time2 days ago

  • IOL News

Understanding the Emissary Syndrome: Redi Tlhabi and Fanon's Warning

Gillian Schutte writes Fanon's warning about the colonised intellectual rings true today as Redi Tlhabi navigates her role in South Africa's media landscape, embodying the complex relationship between power, recognition, and betrayal. Image: Supplied Fanon warned that the colonised intellectual, intoxicated by proximity to power, becomes emissary of the coloniser in her own land. She is rewarded abroad, adorned with credentials, and sent back to discipline her own people in the master's idiom. The tragedy is not simply betrayal but the psychic disavowal that makes betrayal feel like virtue. Redi Tlhabi now embodies this role with unsettling clarity. She entered the national consciousness as Redi Direko, working in SABC current affairs between 2002 and 2005, reporting on the fragile birth of the African Union, Sierra Leone's demilitarisation and Rwanda's post-genocide transition. By 2005 she had become the voice of Talk Radio 702, hosting a daily show for more than a decade. She chastised politicians and soothed liberal donors, embodying a modern African professionalism that looked critical yet reassured capital. In 2008 she fronted ENCA's 24-hour launch, becoming the first face to greet viewers on South Africa's new rolling news channel. The decisive crucible came in 2009 with The Big Debate. The show carried the hallmarks of artifice: it looked urgent, staged conflict, but was framed for international broadcasters and the donor gaze. Produced by Ben Cashdan, a British-born man who arrived in South Africa in the mid-1990s, attached himself to Mandela's presidency and whose earlier history remains conspicuously absent, the programme became the perfect grooming ground. Direko, who became Tlhabi after marrying Johannesburg gynaecologist Brian Tlhabi in 2010, mastered the skill of performing defiance while knowing the parameters were fixed. It is the gallant effort of pretending one is resisting when one is already repeating the master's script. From there she was export-ready. Al Jazeera gave her South2North. The BBC placed her at Newsday in 2022. National Geographic made her the face of Women of Impact. She moderated for the UN General Assembly, COP summits, World Bank meetings and The Elders. She shared stages with Oprah, Kofi Annan and John Kerry. Her CV accumulated the honours of donor royalty: Section27, Women in Cities International, the Atlantic Fellows for Racial Equity at Columbia and the Nelson Mandela Foundation, the UN Global Journalists Corps. She became living proof that empire rewards its interpreters. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading By September 2023 she was summoned to Washington to testify before the U.S. House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Africa. She warned of South Africa's democratic fragility, invoked Russian interference and pleaded with Congress to keep PEPFAR and AGOA intact. These invitations do not arrive from nowhere. They are brokered by Atlantic Council, CSIS, Wilson Center and the donor-contractor nexus of Brussels, Google, Gates and Soros. The prize was her reach: a polished Black South African voice who could reassure Washington that its story would echo back into African homes. When criticism mounted, Chris Roper came to her defence. Roper, once Mail & Guardian editor and now Deputy CEO of Code for Africa, inhabits the same donor ecosystem. Code thrives on EU, NED, Google and Gates funding. His move was predictable: protect the operator, protect the network. In this system, emissaries are never left exposed. Her current pulpit is The Readiness Report, a Daily Maverick podcast — the most overtly donor-aligned outlet in South Africa. And it was here, just this week, that her role became unmistakable. She used General Rudzani Maphwanya's visit to Tehran, where he met Iran's army chief and condemned the bloodletting in Gaza, as a pretext for imperial ventriloquism. Her tone grew urgent, verging on hysterical. 'I want you to hear this. I need you to listen.' She repeated her nausea, threatened to vomit, as though retching could substitute for analysis. Here the psychoanalytic symptom revealed itself. The nausea, the bodily threat to expel, is the mark of disavowal. She cannot admit that she speaks for empire, so her body stages the denial. It is the unconscious saying what the polished voice cannot: that the script she repeats is indigestible, that it sickens even her, that to carry the coloniser's message requires constant repression. But rather than confront that truth, she projects the sickness outward, onto DIRCO, onto Iran, onto Russia, onto those who defy Washington. She warned South Africans against even imagining that Iran could be an ally, or that Russia and China could be trusted partners. BRICS was permitted only 'within reason.' Iran was reduced to a caricature of women-killers, erasing the complex reality of a society where women are highly educated and publicly visible. Russia was cast as rogue. The disciplining was unmistakable. South Africans were told to abandon their own agency, to accept the master's map of the world. And they have rejected her. Black South Africans have seen through the artifice and turned away. They denounce her with the bitterness reserved for betrayal. They call her an Uncle Ruckus in high heels, a ventriloquist's doll for empire. They say her words drip with contempt for African intelligence, that her voice no longer belongs to them. Her nausea, her insistence on being heard, her sanctimony — all of it is read as the arrogance of someone who has crossed over. She is mocked, derided, cast out of the circle of respect. In the townships and the streets, in the comment threads and the conversations, the verdict repeats itself: she is no longer one of us. Fanon warned that colonialism would implant in the colonised a desire for the coloniser's recognition, and Lacan would call this the ego-ideal: the subject lives through the gaze of the Other. Tlhabi's entire trajectory bears this mark. She speaks less to South Africans than to Washington and Brussels, performing Africanness for their applause. The contradiction tears her in two — an African body carrying a European superego. Zizek might call this the perversion of ideology: the subject knows the system is violent, knows it erases her people's sovereignty, yet clings to it all the more because her status depends on it. History will not absolve her. Redi Tlhabi may remain adored on donor stages, but at home she has become the mirror of Fanon's most dire warning — the colonised intellectual who betrays her people while convincing herself she is saving them, trapped in a psychic knot where empire is both her master and her mirror. Fanon's warning about the colonised intellectual rings true today as Redi Tlhabi navigates her role in South Africa's media landscape, embodying the complex relationship between power, recognition, and betrayal. Image: IOL

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store