Nightingale spreads her wings

The songbird was spotted at the Women In Song Legacy Tour at Emnotweni Arena in celebration of iconic singers, Dorothy Masuku and Abigail Khubeka. What captured our attention was her energy and how she beautifully rendered Brenda Fassie’s “Promises”.

The paper caught up with the bubbly lass for a quick interview:

Mpumalanga News: When did you realise that you could sing?

Lerato: Growing up as a pastor’s child, I used to lead our family choir from the age of six. I can safely say I’ve been singing since forever.

Mpumalanga News: Any memories of your first big stage performance?

Lerato: I was a backing vocalist for Donny AKA Basheshe Bahleka during a concert when I was only 14. That was big for me and it’s one of the moments I’ll never forget.

Mpumalanga News: So, what kind of music do you sing? Any particular genre?

Lerato: I sing everything including gospel, because it made me. I can’t run away from Christian music for the reason that God is my beginning and glorifying Him is my passion.

Mpumalanga News: But you’ll need to specialise in a certain genre at some point?

Lerato: Of course, but at the moment I’ll just enjoy singing a little bit of everything until I know what it is that I want to follow. But I think I’m swaying more to Afro-jazz lately.

Mpumalanga News: Have you ever thought of studying music?

Lerato: I’d love to study psychology at some point in my life. As for music, I never studied it. The love I have for it and growing up in a musical family will be enough for my journey.

Mpumalanga News: You kept the audience on their feet during your performance at the Women In Tour Legacy Tour and we loved you. How was it to share the stage with those big names?

Lerato: When they told me that I was going to warm the stage for the famous icon, I almost cried. I just couldn’t believe it! That was one of the moments that define my journey.

Mpumalanga News: Some of the songs you sang there were composed years before you were born and you did them justice. How did you manage to bring them to life, young as you are?

Lerato: Oh yes, I did a medley of Ntshilo Ntshilo, Phata Phata, Meadowlands, Promises and others and wow, I enjoyed myself on the stage. Those are the most energetic songs that have the ability to lift any mood and seeing people dancing and singing along was just priceless.

Mpumalanga News: What do you do for a living at the moment?
Lerato: People call me a gigabyte because I do a lot of gigs at the moment and they pay my bills at the moment.

Be sure to catch Lerato at the Jazz Session which will be held on Sunday at Elshadai Church in Msogwaba and again at Sky Lounge in Matsulu on November 1. To book this songbird for events, contact her manager, Teddy S on 073-281-9163.