Lebo Mathosa would have been turning 44 years old on Saturday, 17 July.
The artists untimely passing left a void in many who loved and looked up to her.
Her influence and presence have remained in Mzansi, with many paving their own paths after hers.
Lebo Mathosa started singing at a very young age. Image: FlickrSource: Depositphotos
Briefly News takes a look at just how significant Lebo Mathosa has been in the South African entertainment industry.
Her family later moved toJohannesburg.
Lebo began by singing at the tender age of seven years old in her local church choir.
Read also
After the move to Johannesburg, she discovered bubblegum music that was popularised by people like Brenda Fassie.
Boom Shaka became an instant success and one of the most biggest Kwaito groups in South Africa.
Boom Shaka consisted of Junior Sokhela, Lebo Mathosa, Theo Nhlengethwa andThembi Seete.
Read also
Their first album was produced in 1994 and was an instant hit.
Boom Shaka was able to break into the international market and achieved success outside of SouthAfrica.
As the first kwaito group, Boom Shaka contributed significantly to the early trends within this musical style.
Lebo Mathosa enjoyed enormous success after branching out as a solo artist. Image: FlickrSource: Depositphotos
Boom Shaka popularised fun and unique dances to theirmusic.
Controversy was not far from the group especially resulting from Lebo Mathosas dance routines and revealing outfits.
Many were shocked that a teenager could be so daring.
Read also
Her debut solo album Dream went gold within a month of its launch in 2000.
Her next album,Drama Queen, was equally successful even though she had ventured into different genres.
In 2006, Mathosa was nominated for a British MOBO award (Best African Act category).
Thembi Seete attended the funeral of the late Lebo Mathosa. Image: FlickrSource: Depositphotos
Mathosa also tried her hand acting, television shows which includedBackstage, GenerationsandMuvhango.
Mathosa was also openly bisexual.
The starlet was frequently compared to her childhood hero Brenda Fassie.
Read also
However, the cause of death remains unknown.
Today, Mathosas legacy is still very much alive.
She is remembered by industry peers, friends and family.
Fellow artistThandiswa Mazwai recently took to social mediato show love to the icon ahead of her post-humous birthday.
Meanwhile former Boom Shaka member Thembi Seete has also not been doing too badly for herself.
Is Simphiwe Dana wedding any time soon?
The stunner shot to fame during her Boom Shaka days in the ’90s.
Enjoyed reading our story?
Download BRIEFLY’s news app onGoogle Playnow and stay up-to-date with major South African news!
She has worked at Independent Media and 1KZNTV and has contributed columns to the Washington Post.
Passed a set of trainings by Google News Initiative.
