Limpopo’s Lekompo Queen readies a powerful close to the year
South Africa’s fast-rising Lekompo star Shandesh has announced the release of her highly anticipated new project titled Real Life (For The Queens), dropping this Friday, 24 October 2025. The project marks her final EP of the year, closing off what has been a massive 2025 for the Limpopo-born artist.
“Bafe volume Shandy Mama” – Shandesh thanks her team and fans
Taking to social media, the “Sdudla or Slender” hitmaker expressed heartfelt gratitude to her fans and collaborators, writing:
“Bafe volume shandy mama 💃🏽.. to my lovely fans and supporters finally I am dropping my last EP for 2025 on the 24th of October which is this coming Friday. 😊🥂 And I just wanna say thanks to my brothers Master Chuza, Natiey Lepaka, Fortunator, King Salah, Justin Ramsey, Mvzzle, and Hitboss for their hard work in this EP ❤️ let’s go stream and set the reminder. #REAL LIFE for the queens EP #SHANDESH MUSIC 🇿🇦”
Her post immediately sparked excitement across social media, with fans calling the upcoming release a “victory lap” for the Lekompo queen.
“Real Life (For The Queens)” celebrates women and authenticity
The EP’s title, Real Life (For The Queens), hints at a deeply personal and empowering theme. Shandesh — real name Rakgoale Nelly Machete — is known for blending high-energy dance grooves with raw, relatable storytelling rooted in her Limpopo upbringing.
Insiders close to the artist describe the project as “a love letter to women who hustle, survive, and shine despite the odds.” It is expected to balance hard-hitting dance tracks with introspective lyrics, capturing both the street spirit and emotional depth that define Shandesh’s artistry.
A star-studded Lekompo collaboration
True to her collaborative spirit, Shandesh has brought together some of Limpopo’s most influential names in the genre — including Master Chuza, Natiey Lepaka, Fortunator, King Salah, Justin Ramsey, Mvzzle, and Hitboss — all known for shaping the new sound of Lekompo.
This lineup promises a high-energy fusion of Bolobedu rhythms, modern Amapiano influences, and Shandesh’s signature vocal flair, setting the stage for another hit-packed release.
From humble beginnings to genre pioneer
Born and raised in Ga-Modjadji, Limpopo, Shandesh has steadily become one of South Africa’s most exciting cultural exports. She has achieved Gold and Platinum certifications for her singles “Ga Mmapula” and “Sdudla or Slender,” and in August 2025, she took home the Dance Artist of the Year award at the Basadi in Music Awards.
Her rise symbolizes a larger cultural movement — bringing Lekompo from local dance floors to national and international recognition.
Fans count down to release day
As the countdown to Friday begins, fans have already started pre-saving the EP and sharing clips of Shandesh’s live performances under the trending hashtag #RealLifeEP.
