Launched in August 2025 amid the buzz of Lagos’ creative energy, LVI was created to tackle head-on the stubborn underrepresentation of women in music—artists, songwriters, producers, the whole ecosystem. It’s not just talk; it’s actionable support: mentorship, hands-on workshops, industry connections, and that vital sense of belonging that can make or break a career. Tems, who built her own path as a self-taught force, knows the barriers too well and is flipping the script.

The inaugural Lagos edition gathered 20 emerging Nigerian talents for two intense days of creative development, mentorship sessions, and an intimate launch dinner hosted by Tems herself. It was electric. Then came Nairobi in September 2025, expanding the reach to East Africa with masterclasses, collaborative studio work, panel talks led by industry voices, and a memorable fireside chat where Tems opened up about her journey and LVI’s bigger vision for women in music across Africa and beyond.

“My goal with the Leading Vibe Initiative is to help support and amplify talented women who have the potential to redefine the industry,” Tems said in the announcement. “By providing access, tools, and opportunity, we’re creating space for them to find their voices, step into their power, and shape the future of music across the continent and globally.”

Now Johannesburg is next. This edition targets South Africa-based female artists, songwriters, and producers aged 18-35 ready to grow creatively and professionally. The lineup includes focused sessions on songwriting, music production, and the business side of the game, plus mentorship, networking, creative workshops, and masterclasses. Native Instruments is bringing advanced production tech to the table, ensuring participants get hands-on with top-tier tools. Featured speakers and facilitators are still under wraps but will drop closer to the date; expect heavy hitters based on what’s come before.

Hennessy returns as an official partner, joining Native Instruments to fuel the resources and platforms needed to lift women’s voices louder. The brand’s long history of backing boundary-pushers aligns perfectly here. “We’re honored to support the Leading Vibe Initiative and to continue empowering African communities and cultures,” said Vincent Montalescot, Hennessy’s Global Chief Marketing Officer. “Tems’ vision, talent, and purpose align deeply with Hennessy’s legacy of championing those who push boundaries and redefine the world around them.”

LVI isn’t a one-off event series—it’s building toward something global. Rooted in Tems’ own story of grit and self-belief, it’s a platform offering training, industry access, and community while closing the gender gap in music, one connection at a time. It’s a movement, a network, a wave built by women for women, starting on the continent and rippling outward.

Applications are open today and close February 28, 2026. If this sounds like your moment, click HERE to apply now.

For anyone tuned into African music’s unstoppable rise, especially the women driving it, this is the kind of initiative that could launch the next Tems, the next voice that shifts the culture. Stay locked in via @leadingvibeinitiative on IG and X (formerly Twitter). Dive deeper at leadingvibe.org.

In a year where African women continue to dominate conversations in music, LVI South Africa feels like the perfect next chapter. Who’s stepping up? The vibe is leading, now it’s time to follow.

The post Tems’ Leading Vibe Initiative Heads to South Africa appeared first on Afromixx.

Lekompo is not just a BPM; it is a middle finger to the polished, “soft life” aesthetic of Johannesburg. It is the sound of the Limpopo “trenches,” finally demanding its seat at the table of global electronic music.

Lekompo at a Glance 

What is Lekompo Music?

Lekompo is the sonic manifestation of rural rebellion. While often compared to Amapiano, Lekompo is technically distinct, blending the melodic structures of Bolo House with the frantic speed of Shangaan Electro and the heavy percussive “log drums” of modern dance music.

The name itself is a reclamation. Originally, “makompo” was a derogatory term for those living in labor compounds. By naming their genre after this struggle, artists have transformed a badge of poverty into a symbol of street-smart authenticity.

The Genesis of the “Compound” Sound

To understand Lekompo, you must understand the word Makompo. Historically, it was a slur, a term used to belittle the migrant laborers who lived in the single-sex worker compounds of the mining and farming belts. To be called a Lekompo was to be called “unrefined,” “backward,” or “dirty.”

But in a classic act of cultural alchemy, the youth of Limpopo led by artists who grew up in the shadow of these very compounds have reclaimed the word. They’ve turned “unrefined” into “authentic.” The music mirrors this history: it is “dry” (lacking the expensive reverb of studio-produced house) and “fast” (mimicking the frantic energy of a weekend spent trying to forget a week of hard labor).

It is the evolution of Bolo House, but where Bolo House was melodic and often romantic, Lekompo is percussive and confrontational. It is the marriage of Shangaan Electro’s 130+ BPM speed and the Amapiano log drum, stripped of its jazz influences and replaced with the raw, piercing synths of European hard-techno.

Lekompo vs. Amapiano: Key Differences

People frequently ask: “Is Lekompo just fast Amapiano?” The answer is no.

1. Speed: Lekompo is significantly faster, averaging 130 BPM, whereas Amapiano sits at 112-115 BPM.
2. Texture: Amapiano uses smooth “Private School” piano chords. Lekompo uses gritty, sharp synthesizers reminiscent of early 2000s disco and Bolo house.
3. Vibe: Amapiano is for the “Chill & Lounge” culture; Lekompo is for the “High-Energy Dancefloor.”

The Pioneers: Artists Championing the Sound in 2026

To understand the movement, you must know the figures currently holding the torch. These artists have bypassed traditional record labels, using WhatsApp and TikTok to build massive, cult-like followings.

Makhadzi: The Matriach and The Global Bridge

While new stars dominate the charts, Makhadzi remains the certified star of the movement and its most vital bridge to the global stage. Having started her career performing at taxi ranks for pocket change, she embodies the “Miracle Child” narrative of the Makompo.

In 2025 and early 2026, Makhadzi’s role has shifted from artist to “canonical genre-shifter.” Her BET Award win wasn’t just a win for her; it was a validation of the entire Limpopo sound. By collaborating with younger titans like Kharishma and Shebeshxt on tracks like “Queens Lekompo“ and “Tlala,” she has provided the movement with institutional weight. She is the proof that the Venda and Pedi tongues are not regional dialects, but global hit-making languages.

Kharishma: The Queen of Lekompo

While the genre is often associated with hyper-masculinity, its most powerful figure is a woman. Kharishma has become the undisputed “Queen of Lekompo” by doing something radical: she made the genre vulnerable.

In her 2025/2026 run, Kharishma has moved beyond simple club bangers. Her songwriting in Sepedi and Khelobedu functions as a mirror for the rural South African woman. In tracks like “Chokeslem,“ she doesn’t just provide a beat for the tavern; she provides a soundtrack for survival, tackling the epidemic of gender-based violence (GBV) with a grit that mainstream artists often shy away from. Her voice—powerful, staccato, and soaring above Ba Bethe Gashoazen’s distorted production is the primary reason Lekompo has successfully crossed over from regional curiosity to national anthem.

Ba Bethe Gashoazen: The Architect of the Log Drum Evolution

If Kharishma is the voice, Ba Bethe Gashoazen is the brain. As a primary producer for the genre’s biggest hits, Gashoazen’s signature is the “Tribal Log Drum,” a more distorted, rhythmic version of the Amapiano bassline. His 2026 collaborations with artists like Makhadzi have successfully brought the “village sound” into the global electronic music conversation.

The Shebeshxt Phenomenon: Folk Hero or Cultural Chaos?

No editorial on Lekompo is complete without addressing Shebeshxt. If Kharishma is the genre’s soul, Shebeshxt is its unbridled, chaotic id. Born in the streets of Lebowakgomo, Shebe (Lehlogonolo Chauke) represents the “anti-hero.”

He is the tatted, shirtless face of the Makompo identity. To his fans, he is a folk hero who survived the prison system and the “streets” to become a superstar. To his critics, he is a cautionary tale of the dangers of glorifying “tavern culture.” His 2025/2026 legal battles and his polarizing presence on social media haven’t dimmed his star; they’ve brightened it. He represents the “unfiltered” truth that Lekompo promises a rejection of the “fake” celebrity lifestyle in favour of a raw, often dangerous, reality.

The Architects: Producers Who Defined the 2026 Era

The shift in 2026 has been toward technical sophistication without losing the “dirt.” The producers are the unsung engineers of this movement.

• Ba Bethe Gashoazen: The “Godfather” of the sound. His signature is the stutter-step log drum. He was the first to realize that Lekompo could be polished enough for a Sony Music contract without losing the tavern grit.
• Naqua SA & Buddy Sax: These are the underground purists. Their tracks are often released as 2-minute snippets on WhatsApp, designed to be played at maximum volume on distorted speakers. They prioritize the “kick”—a bass sound so heavy it’s felt in the chest before it’s heard in the ears.
• Tribby Wadi Bozza: Known for incorporating elements of Manyalo (wedding music), Tribby has ensured that Lekompo remains tied to the traditional Pedi and Venda ceremonies, making it a multi-generational phenomenon.

Why Lekompo is the Future of the Global South

As the world becomes more digitized, there is a global hunger for music that feels “human” and “unrefined.” We see this in the rise of Gqom years ago, and we see it in the global fascination with Latin American Funk Carioca.

Lekompo is South Africa’s entry into this global “Hard Dance” movement. It is music that doesn’t care about radio edits or corporate sponsorships. It is an ecosystem built on TikTok virality, WhatsApp distribution, and Nike-clad loyalty. In 2026, Lekompo has proven that you don’t need a studio in Johannesburg to change the world you just need a laptop, a heavy bassline, and the courage to speak for the forgotten.

Why 2026 is the “Year of the Lekompo”

In early 2026, we are seeing a “War of the Beats”. As the world becomes accustomed to the slower “Private School Piano”, the club scene is craving the high-octane energy that Lekompo provides.

Pro-Tip for Producers: Lekompo’s signature is the “rickety rhythm.” It sounds like a machine in motion, perfect for the 2026 trend of high-intensity fitness and viral dance challenges.

FAQ: Everything You Need to Know

Q: Where did Lekompo originate? 

A: It originated in the rural compounds of Limpopo, South Africa, evolving from traditional wedding music (Tsa Manyalo) and Bolobedu House.

Q: What are the best Lekompo songs of 2026? 

A: Currently trending tracks include “Rato Laka” (Zee Nxumalo), “Ke Chaba Boloi” (DJ Call Me ft. Shebeshxt), and “Sdudla or Slender” (Shandesh).

Q: Why is Lekompo becoming so popular? 

A: Its rise is fueled by its high-energy nature which is perfect for short-form video platforms like TikTok, and a growing global interest in “authentic, raw” African street sounds over polished studio pop.

Q: Where can I see Lekompo live?

A: Look for the “Lekompo Balcony Mix” in Pretoria or the “Lekompo Music Festival” which holds major crossover events in Limpopo.

Lekompo is more than a trend; it is a testament to the resilience of Limpopo’s creative spirit. It is a reminder that the most powerful art doesn’t always come from expensive studios—it comes from the places people work, live, and struggle. As the world turns its ears toward South Africa, Lekompo stands ready to shake the floor.

The post Lekompo: The Revolutionary Sound From South Africa appeared first on Afromixx.

That’s the gap Partyra is closing.

Partyra is Nigeria’s bold new answer to event discovery, an app that’s not only transforming how Nigerians find things to do, but also how they experience their cities. With a fresh, video-first interface and smart recommendations that match users with their vibe, the platform is quickly becoming the go-to destination for people who want to do more than scroll—they want to show up.

“Nigeria is full of culture, energy, and events—yet most people hear about them too late, or not at all,” says the Partyra team. “We built Partyra to bring the city to your fingertips, and help you rediscover the joy of real-life moments.”

From Listings to Real-Life Energy

Until recently, discovering events in Nigeria meant combing through WhatsApp groups, Instagram pages, or outdated blogs. Event platforms existed, but many felt transactional—focused on logistics, not experience. Partyra flips the script by making discovery feel like discovery. The app presents short-form, TikTok-style event videos that showcase the mood, crowd, music, and energy—giving users an instant sense of what the event feels like, not just what it is.

It’s fast, visual, and local.

Whether you’re into rooftop brunches, underground music sets, art exhibitions, or weekend hangouts, Partyra helps you find what matches your mood in seconds.

“It’s like Netflix for my weekend,” says Tolu, a frequent user based in Lagos. “I just swipe, vibe, and choose. I’ve gone to places I wouldn’t have discovered otherwise.”

Built for Nigeria’s Urban Culture

Nigeria’s cities are bursting with experiences but they’re often fragmented. A concert might sell out without ever appearing on a major ticketing site. A fashion pop-up could attract hundreds via a friend’s Insta story. In this informal, fast-moving ecosystem, Partyra acts as a unifier. It brings visibility to events that may not have big budgets but deserve big crowds.

And it’s not just about entertainment. Partyra has featured everything from wellness retreats in Lekki to startup networking nights in Victoria Island. The platform’s real power lies in its ability to reflect the evolving lifestyle of urban Nigerians: energetic, curious, social, and experience-driven.

Organizers Get a Win Too

While users enjoy curated discovery, event creators and organizers are benefitting as well. Partyra offers tools that let organizers tell better stories, promote with engaging video, and sell tickets seamlessly all in one place.

“We used to rely on Instagram ads and word of mouth,” says Ifeanyi, a music event promoter in Abuja. “But with Partyra, we sold out two events back-to-back. People discovered us just by swiping.”

From small indie creators to large promoters, Partyra gives Nigerian organizers a modern toolkit to not only list events but build communities around them.

Technology Meets Culture

At the heart of Partyra’s success is its tech. The app uses AI to learn what users engage with be it music events, fashion, or food festivals and tailors their feed accordingly. Unlike traditional listings, it’s not one-size-fits-all. Every user sees events that match their lifestyle, their mood, their crew.

That local intelligence is a game-changer, especially in Nigerian cities where diversity in tastes, tribes, and subcultures is vast. Partyra isn’t just helping people find events. It’s helping them find their kind of fun.

What’s Next?

With thousands of active users across Nigeria, growing partnerships with event organizers, and rave reviews from the community, Partyra is poised for national impact. The team is doubling down on expanding to more cities, onboarding new creators, and introducing new features like in-app social sharing and real-time event updates.

But the core idea remains unchanged: bring people closer to real-life experiences.

In a country where digital fatigue is real and social connection often feels surface-level, Partyra is making nights out more spontaneous, communities more connected, and memories more meaningful.Because in Nigeria’s fast-paced, ever-buzzing urban life, one thing’s certain—there’s always something happening. Partyra just makes sure you never miss it.

The post How Partyra Is Changing the Way Nigerians Discover Events in Their City appeared first on Afromixx.