Latest news with #Lesego
TimesLIVE
17-05-2025
- Entertainment
- TimesLIVE
Afro pop singer Lesego Reetseng set to make fiery comeback at ShowThemFlames Music Night
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.
IOL News
16-05-2025
- Entertainment
- IOL News
Mona Monyane and Clementine Mosimane dive into the heartfelt chaos of motherhood in 'Sabbatical'
Mona Monyane as Lesego with Clementine Mosimane as her mother Dorris in the heartfelt drama, 'Sabbatical'. Image: Supplied Karabo Lediga's directorial debut, "Sabbatical", is a bittersweet mother-daughter drama. It explores profound themes of family roots, ambition, integrity, deception, and loyalty. If you haven't seen it yet on the big screen, it is highly recommended. The film benefits greatly from the exceptional performances of Mona Monyane as Lesego and Clementine Mosimane as her mother, Dorris, a truly remarkable pairing. I had the pleasure of a tête-à-tête with the actresses, who have developed a strong offscreen bond, marked by their noticeable warmth towards one another and praiseworthy comments. It was truly heartening to witness, especially since this is the first time they have worked with one another. Video Player is loading. 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Next Stay Close ✕ Mosimane shared: It was delicious working together, and I think it's because we were giving each other the space to deal with the emotions of our characters. 'Also, as actors, the understanding, the mutual respect, the love for the craft, because it's not about us, it's about the craft and the characters, so that when they come to life, they are so authentic and realistic, that was very important to us.' Monyane added: 'I agree, mutual respect. And we found a lot of similarities in our approach. So I think it's much easier when you're acting alongside someone who takes things as seriously as you do and appreciates the opportunity to tell a story. 'We came in giving our hearts, giving our minds, and it translated. It's been an honour as somebody who has watched this phenomenal woman (casting her gaze over at Mosimane) growing up. Suffice it to say, they nailed the dysfunctional mother-daughter relationship. Most of the scenes play out in a Pretoria township. The charm of the story is its relatability, which is underpinned by a strong sense of community, bustling ekasi atmosphere and close-knit bonds. The premise centres on Lesego, a high-flying corporate climber on the cusp of a promotion to CEO at LouwFin. Her life takes a tumultuous turn when she becomes entangled in a financial scandal involving the misappropriation of a miners' pension fund. As such, she retreats to her childhood home, where she is forced to face the harsh reality of her career being over while being abandoned by so-called friends. She also has to deal with disappointing her mother and the ghosts she's been running from since leaving for the big city, where her opulent lifestyle left little room for family or friends from back home. While dealing with financial ruin as her accounts have been frozen, she dodges the calls from Percy Mthimkhulu (Loyiso Gola), the tenacious investigator on the case. A behind the scenes shot of Karabo Lediga, the writer and director of 'Sabbatical'. Image: Supplied Reflecting on her first impression of the script, Monyane shared: 'I was like, I know this woman. I didn't have to feel as if I had to create her. I knew her. I had been through a sabbatical. I had been through losing everything that you work hard for. "So it was very exciting to read a piece that spoke to the human condition and that personalised it in such a beautiful way. 'It was also exciting to see the challenges because a lot of it is non-verbal. A lot of it is showing the emotion, the thought process of the character, rather than saying it. So I loved it from the script, and even in the audition, it was just so real for me.' Her veteran co-star added: 'I might not have been through it physically, but emotionally, yes, because we have grown up in black townships, in black families, and when I read the script, I got so hooked, as this is what our society needs. 'It is not that a copy and paste thing where everybody is going for the same thing. You could see that it's got depth. It is meaty. There is this emotional journey that most of us are going through, and that we are so scared to confront …' Aside from singing the praises of the director, who also penned the script, the actresses both agreed that the scene they loved most was a bathroom scene with a traditional onion sack. Monyane shared: 'It was really in that moment when they had the most important conversation as mother and daughter without using any words, and yet everything that needed to be said was said in that scene. It took me to my relationship with my mother and made me realise so many things about her that maybe I overlooked.' Mosimane added, 'That scene unpacks so many things. It's saying forgive me, it's saying I love you, it's saying I miss you, back.' The director had this to say… If the name sounds familiar, she is Kagiso Lediga's sister. He is a producer on the film On the inspiration for the story, Karabo revealed: ' I've always found my relationship with my mom, who's quite a huge character in my life, quirky, funny. There's a constant conflict, but there's also a lot of humour between the two of us; kind of a typical mother and daughter relationship in this country, on this continent, at this time. 'She's a huge influence on my life, and I've always thought how interesting it could be to write a narrative around that sort of relationship.'
The Star
16-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Star
'Sabbatical' cast brings power and heart to the screen
Local actors reflect on their transformative experience in the new local film Sabbatical , which explores ambition, familial ties, and the weight of silence within the context of corporate scandal. At the helm is Mona Monyane portrays Lesego, a brilliant corporate climber on the fast track to becoming the next CEO of LouwFin. However, her rise to the top takes a devastating turn when she is implicated in a financial scandal involving the embezzlement of a miner's pension fund. This twist forces Lesego back to her childhood home, where she must confront the woman who raised her and the ghosts she thought she'd left behind. Known for her acclaimed performances in Muvhango and Kalushi, Monyane describes her role as a career-defining moment, allowing her to re-establish her presence in the film industry. 'Being a part of the Sabbatical cast was like a dream come true, reintroducing myself in the industry. Telling a powerful and impactful story made me feel like I was fulfilling my purpose as somebody who tells stories to heal and to empower. It was also just a magical experience all around,' she reveals. Monyane also explains that the synergy among the cast and crew made the experience all the more rewarding, highlighting the director's ability to allow performers to inject their essence into the film. 'The noteworthy aspect of the film was the director's approach. Her respect, her ability to also allow us as the performance to bring our essence to the piece.' Another standout performance comes from seasoned actress Clementine Mosimane, who plays Doris, Lesego's fiercely protective mother. 'Being part of the SABBATICAL cast was an honour and just a humbling experience. Reading through the script as cast with the director and also realising that it is a story so close to home, authentic and realistic,' Mosimane remarks. She describes Doris as a complex character, a resilient mother who has faced tremendous challenges while raising her daughter, all while teaching them invaluable lessons about communication, tolerance, and acceptance. 'Doris is a mother/woman who has gone through a lot as a single mother, not easily showing love towards her daughter but caring and very smart. lessons to be learnt and maybe consider defending individual communication, tolerance, celebrating your kids and other people, and acceptance.' For actress Lethabo Mpoko, joining this project means so much more than acting; it symbolises exposure and professional growth within a film that addresses relatable South African stories. 'To me it speaks about exposure and professional growth. But it also means being part of a project that aims to improve the South African industry because it tells a story that more South Africans can relate to. It tells a real South African story. It also means being part of a production that aims to bring back the culture – the culture of going back to the movies and watching a production and opening up a conversation with the people around you.' Acclaimed comedian Loyiso Gola also takes on the role of investigator Percy Mthimkhulu, delivering a sharp and methodical performance that ties the narrative together. Set against the backdrop of Pretoria, the film seamlessly blends emotional weight with sharp humour, featuring familiar faces from high school sweethearts to nosy neighbours, each adding depth to this multifaceted story. The creative force behind the film includes Director of Photography Motheo Moeng, known for Queen Sono and Matwetwe, who crafts a visually arresting and intimate aesthetic. Adding to the emotional gravity is a lush, jazz-infused score by musician Bokani Dyer, enhancing the unfolding drama with soulful depth. [email protected] Saturday Star
IOL News
16-05-2025
- Entertainment
- IOL News
'Sabbatical' cast brings power and heart to the screen
In a remarkable showcase of South African storytelling, the film Sabbatical has recently hit the screens, captivating audiences with its raw portrayal of ambition, familial ties, and the often-hidden struggles that accompany success. In a remarkable showcase of South African storytelling, the film Sabbatical has recently hit the screens, captivating audiences with its raw portrayal of ambition, familial ties, and the often-hidden struggles that accompany success. Local actors reflect on their transformative experience in the new local film Sabbatical, which explores ambition, familial ties, and the weight of silence within the context of corporate scandal. At the helm is Mona Monyane portrays Lesego, a brilliant corporate climber on the fast track to becoming the next CEO of LouwFin. However, her rise to the top takes a devastating turn when she is implicated in a financial scandal involving the embezzlement of a miner's pension fund. This twist forces Lesego back to her childhood home, where she must confront the woman who raised her and the ghosts she thought she'd left behind. Known for her acclaimed performances in Muvhango and Kalushi, Monyane describes her role as a career-defining moment, allowing her to re-establish her presence in the film industry. 'Being a part of the Sabbatical cast was like a dream come true, reintroducing myself in the industry. Telling a powerful and impactful story made me feel like I was fulfilling my purpose as somebody who tells stories to heal and to empower. It was also just a magical experience all around,' she reveals. Monyane also explains that the synergy among the cast and crew made the experience all the more rewarding, highlighting the director's ability to allow performers to inject their essence into the film. 'The noteworthy aspect of the film was the director's approach. Her respect, her ability to also allow us as the performance to bring our essence to the piece.' Another standout performance comes from seasoned actress Clementine Mosimane, who plays Doris, Lesego's fiercely protective mother. 'Being part of the SABBATICAL cast was an honour and just a humbling experience. Reading through the script as cast with the director and also realising that it is a story so close to home, authentic and realistic,' Mosimane remarks. She describes Doris as a complex character, a resilient mother who has faced tremendous challenges while raising her daughter, all while teaching them invaluable lessons about communication, tolerance, and acceptance. 'Doris is a mother/woman who has gone through a lot as a single mother, not easily showing love towards her daughter but caring and very smart. lessons to be learnt and maybe consider defending individual communication, tolerance, celebrating your kids and other people, and acceptance.' For actress Lethabo Mpoko, joining this project means so much more than acting; it symbolises exposure and professional growth within a film that addresses relatable South African stories. 'To me it speaks about exposure and professional growth. But it also means being part of a project that aims to improve the South African industry because it tells a story that more South Africans can relate to. It tells a real South African story. It also means being part of a production that aims to bring back the culture – the culture of going back to the movies and watching a production and opening up a conversation with the people around you.' Acclaimed comedian Loyiso Gola also takes on the role of investigator Percy Mthimkhulu, delivering a sharp and methodical performance that ties the narrative together. Set against the backdrop of Pretoria, the film seamlessly blends emotional weight with sharp humour, featuring familiar faces from high school sweethearts to nosy neighbours, each adding depth to this multifaceted story. The creative force behind the film includes Director of Photography Motheo Moeng, known for Queen Sono and Matwetwe, who crafts a visually arresting and intimate aesthetic. Adding to the emotional gravity is a lush, jazz-infused score by musician Bokani Dyer, enhancing the unfolding drama with soulful depth. [email protected] Saturday Star
TimesLIVE
10-05-2025
- Entertainment
- TimesLIVE
'Sabbatical' explores mom/daughter relationships
Writer and director Karabo Lediga has had a long, awarded career in television and short films. Now she's written and directed her first feature film, Sabbatical. The story centres on Lesego (Mona Monyane), a successful Joburg finance wiz who, when the pressures of life in the big city become too much, finds herself drunkenly arriving at her respectable mother Doris's (Clementine Mosimane) house in Pretoria late one night. Doris worries, Lesego's embarrassed but it's only the beginning of a human, tenderly funny journey of hard truths for both of them as Lesego's predicament forces her to stay longer than she or mother had planned on...
