TikTok is buzzing, dancefloors are shaking and heads are turning, all thanks to a fresh, infectious sound from Limpopo. The genre? Lekompo. The name behind the hits? Shandesh.
Shandesh, born Rakgoale Machethe, is not just another viral sensation. She is the 21-year-old musical force reshaping the South African soundscape, one banger at a time. From Ga Mmapula, Skeem Saka, Sdudla or Slender, to the crowd-favourite Di Chopper, her catalogue is fast becoming the heartbeat of Limpopo street culture.
“Every share, dance video and shout-out shows that the sound is alive and growing,” she says with pride.
Lekompo is more than just beats and catchy hooks, it is a dynamic genre born in the backstreets of Limpopo. A raw, rhythmic blend of traditional vibes and urban flair, it carries the signature of a young woman, who knew early on that music was her path.
“I fell in love with music at a young age. I joined the school church choir just to stay close to it. By 14, I was already recording. In 2018, I dropped my first track, Lomolo and it changed everything,” she recalled.
That debut earned her gigs in her hometown of Solomondale. What started as passion soon became purpose.
“I didn’t get introduced to music, I was inspired by bolobedu sounds and what I heard on the streets. Over time, I realised I was developing something fresh, something different. That became Lekompo.”
And different it is. So much so that Shandesh is proudly the first female artiste to officially carry and introduce the Lekompo sound to the mainstream.
Yet, not all journeys are smooth. As her music began gaining traction beyond Limpopo, Shandesh worried.
“Because it’s a tribal genre, I feared people wouldn’t get it. But I trusted my gut. I believed in the sound and knew someone out there would believe in it too,” she admitted.
Her instincts were right. Today, her music is everywhere, from South African taxis to global TikTok feeds. Lekompo is catching on like wildfire.
Her latest anthem, Di Chopper, released a month ago and has over three million views on YouTube, is more than a dance hit, it is a celebration of resilience and divine elevation.
“It’s about how God can make people who were once counted out, rise and fly high.”
For Shandesh, Lekompo is not just a sound, it is identity, culture and connection. She beams as she reflects on its evolution into a movement.
“This is my lifetime breakthrough. Not just for the recognition, but because I can express myself fully. There’s freedom in shaping something from the ground up.”
The movement’s heartbeat is echoed in events like the Lekompo Balcony Mix, grassroots gatherings where artistes and fans vibe, dance and uplift the culture together.
“The balcony mix isn’t mine alone, I just support the movement. I hope people rally behind it, so it can grow nationwide . . . or even worldwide.”
With international creators jumping on the wave and young fans owning the sound in creative ways, Shandesh’s vision is becoming a reality.
“Lekompo is raw, energetic and unfiltered. It’s made for the people. I love seeing others resonate with it, remix it and dance to it. I see Lekompo going global, but still staying rooted in our culture. It’s going to be a beautiful thing to watch grow.”
And if her trajectory is anything to go by, the world will not just be watching, it will be dancing too. — News24
