Rising from the streets of kasi rap to the national spotlight, Leezy is more than just a rapper, she’s a cultural force. Fresh off her Sunlight #DropYourBar win and leading this year’s Raise The Bar movement, she sits down with Glamour to talk confidence, creativity, and creating a legacy for fearless young women.
Glamour: You won Sunlight's #DropYourBar competition, such a powerful moment! What did that win mean to you personally and creatively?
Leezy: That win meant so much to me because it came at a time when I was going through a major shift—not just in my music, but in my personal life too. Winning the competition reminded me that even when things get tough, I’m still on the right path. Creatively, it reaffirmed that my gift as a rapper is God-given, and that I should never doubt my talent or purpose.
Glamour: When did you first realise that music was more than just a passion but your path?
Leezy: I realised music was more than just a passion after high school. I took a gap year to work and invest in my music, but when I got caught up in the job, my intuition kept reminding me why I started. In 2019, when I received the MoFlava bursary to study Digital Music Production and Composition, I quit my job — that was the turning point. From then, I knew music was my life’s path because even when I try to step away, it always finds me. Also, my story and everything I’ve been through are proof that my music is meant to inspire and heal others.
Glamour: How would you describe your sound to someone who’s hearing your music for the first time?
Leezy: My sound carries the heartbeat of African trap, infused with confident feminine energy and blended with kasi rap and kwaito. It’s bold, versatile, and ever-evolving but always authentic to who I am as a female rapper.
Glamour: Your lyrics are raw, bold, and beautifully honest. What inspires your writing process?
Leezy: Everything inspires my writing; vibes, pain, my background, my dreams, and my growth. Life itself is my biggest muse.
Glamour: What does being "unapologetically feminine" mean to you in the world of hip-hop?
Leezy: Being unapologetically feminine in hip-hop means owning my voice as a woman in a male-dominated space. It’s about boldly expressing my truth, creating my own opportunities, and standing firm in who I am—without fitting into anyone else’s idea of what femininity should look like.
Glamour: You’ve become a voice for fearless young women. How intentional has that been, or did it happen organically?
Leezy: At first, it happened organically. I didn’t realise I was building a brand that would inspire fearless young women but over time, it became intentional. Being that voice means moving with purpose, standing for something, and using my platform to empower others to do the same.
Glamour: You’re leading this year’s Raise The Bar movement. What excites you most about being part of that?
Leezy: What excites me most is that the story didn’t end with me—it continues. That’s how you make history. Someone else’s life will be changed this year, just like mine was, and nothing makes me happier than seeing others win because I know what that moment feels like.
Glamour: Confidence is a big theme in your journey. Where do you draw your confidence from, especially when stepping into new spaces?
Leezy: Confidence didn’t come overnight. It took deep inner work; mentally, spiritually, and emotionally. I had to remind myself that I am unique and divinely made. I don’t compare myself to others because I know who I am and what God called me to be. That’s the energy I carry into every space I enter.
Glamour: How do you express yourself through fashion and style, and how does that tie into your identity as an artist?
Leezy: I express myself through fashion and style because I believe in representation—people connect with what they see as much as what they hear. When you look good, you feel good. Fashion can be bought, but style is who you are, and that’s why I handle my own looks. I know what fits my identity and my artistry.
Glamour: What’s your advice to young women who feel like their voices aren’t heard or that they don’t fit the mould?
Leezy: My advice is simple: use what you already have and start where you are. We live in a time where the internet gives everyone a platform; post your work, enter competitions, and take up space. And most importantly, stay true to yourself, because an honest voice always makes the biggest impact.
Glamour: You’re not just making music, you’re shaping culture. How do you stay grounded as your platform grows?
Leezy: I stay grounded by staying humble and keeping my humanity in every room I walk into. I take time for myself to recharge and protect my energy, and I stay rooted through my spiritual connection with God and my ancestors. That balance keeps me aligned as I grow.
Glamour: Who are the women, past or present, who’ve inspired your journey the most?
Leezy: Nationally, Nadia Nakai and Dee Koala have inspired me; internationally, it’s Rihanna, Nicki Minaj, and Teyana Taylor. These women use their voices to create platforms and stand for something powerful, and that’s the kind of legacy I want to build.
Glamour: If you could send one message to every young girl watching your rise, what would it be?
Leezy: Believe in yourself, even when no one else does. That’s where your power starts.
Glamour: Collaboration is such a big part of music today. Who’s on your dream list to work with?
Leezy: My dream collaborations would be with Mashbeatz, Sjava, Dee Koala, EmTee, Nadia Nakai, LaCabra, Touchline… and that’s just the beginning.
Glamour: What’s next for Leezy Lindokuhle? Should we be watching out for anything big?
Leezy: I’m currently working on a new project, so yes—you can expect an EP soon. I won’t reveal too much yet, but just know: big things are coming.
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