EPISODE 139 | Cartoons Tuesday: MKeys – From Hobbyist to Record Label Founder? Lesego M. Explores His Rise in Music

In this special Cartoons Tuesday segment of Backroom Convo's with Lesego M., we dive into the inspiring journey of Themba Mavuso, better known as MKeys. From his early days as a DJ in Soweto to his evolution into a multi-talented producer, instrumentalist, and founder of MKeys Records, MKeys’ story is a testament to passion, growth, and artistry.

We trace MKeys’ steps from 2001, when he began DJing as a hobby, to the pivotal moment in 2007 when he embraced music production. Along the way, we explore his achievements, such as graduating with a major in piano from the Campus of Performing Arts in 2014, releasing debut EPs under Sophisticado Recordings, and collaborating with artists like Boitumelo Morobane from IdolsSA.

Through our Cartoons Tuesday lens, we’ll cover not only his impressive discography and group collaborations with MellowRoots, Black Orchids, and TappedSole but also how his journey has redefined his artistic vision. We’ll delve into his creative platform, #MKeysRedWallFridays, where he covers global singles, and how founding MKeys Records marked a new chapter in his career.

Join us for an in-depth exploration of how MKeys turned his passion for music into an artistic legacy, connecting fans worldwide through his biweekly offerings and unique sound. This episode is a must-listen for anyone inspired by art, dedication, and the relentless pursuit of musical excellence.

EPISODE 139 | Cartoons Tuesday: MKeys – From Hobbyist to Record Label Founder? Lesego M. Explores His Rise in Music

In this special Cartoons Tuesday segment of Backroom Convo's with Lesego M., we dive into the inspiring journey of Themba Mavuso, better known as MKeys. From his early days as a DJ in Soweto to his evolution into a multi-talented producer, instrumentalist, and founder of MKeys Records, MKeys’ story is a testament to passion, growth, and artistry.

We trace MKeys’ steps from 2001, when he began DJing as a hobby, to the pivotal moment in 2007 when he embraced music production. Along the way, we explore his achievements, such as graduating with a major in piano from the Campus of Performing Arts in 2014, releasing debut EPs under Sophisticado Recordings, and collaborating with artists like Boitumelo Morobane from IdolsSA.

Through our Cartoons Tuesday lens, we’ll cover not only his impressive discography and group collaborations with MellowRoots, Black Orchids, and TappedSole but also how his journey has redefined his artistic vision. We’ll delve into his creative platform, #MKeysRedWallFridays, where he covers global singles, and how founding MKeys Records marked a new chapter in his career.

Join us for an in-depth exploration of how MKeys turned his passion for music into an artistic legacy, connecting fans worldwide through his biweekly offerings and unique sound. This episode is a must-listen for anyone inspired by art, dedication, and the relentless pursuit of musical excellence.

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EPISODE 114| INDEPENDENT ELECTRAL COMMISSION,JULIUS MALEMA,ZUMA AND THE AFRICAN NATIONAL CONGRESS,DA AND ANC COLIATION

Episode 114: "The Election Episode Breakdown"Welcome back to Backroom Convo's with Lesego M! In this episode, we're taking a step back to reflect on our previous conversation in Episode 113, where we dived into the world of politics and discussed the recent elections.Lesego M shares his thoughts on why that episode was important, what he learned from the experience, and how your feedback impacted him. We're getting meta, folks!Tune in for a behind-the-scenes look at the making of Backroom Convo's, and join the conversation as we continue to explore the intersection of politics, society, and culture.Share your thoughts on the election episode and this breakdown with us at Lesego@backroomconvos.com!

Episode 162: Kevin Momo’s Historic 20M Streams, Mlindo’s Comeback & Amapiano’s New Kings

In this milestone Episode 162 of Backroom Convo’s, host Lesego M dives into South Africa’s explosive Amapiano scene, spotlighting three seismic releases reshaping the global music landscape:

🔥 Kevin Momo’s Record-Shattering Week
His album Thato Ya Modimo isn’t just a hit—it’s a cultural reset. With 20 million streams in its first week, it dominated platforms globally:

  • 🥈 #8 on Spotify’s Global Chart—the highest peak for a South African album this year.

  • ⏱️ Most-streamed album in 24 hours (2025), proving Amapiano’s unstoppable reach.

  • 🎹 29 tracks of "soulful piano melodies and rhythmic percussion" 6, cementing Kelvin Momo as a genre pioneer whose "innovative sound design pushes Amapiano forward" 6.

🎤 Mlindo The Vocalist’s Grand Return
After a hiatus, the storytelling maestro announces Uhambo - The Journey (July 18), his first album since 2022. Lesego unpacks:

  • 🎶 The lead single Inkomo Zika Baba (feat. DJ Maphorisa), released June 13—a "heartfelt, dramatic tale of lobola and commitment" 13.

  • 🔥 Mlindo’s reunion with mentor DJ Maphorisa: "My musical journey started with him" 13.

  • 📈 Why this album chronicles his evolution from Emakhaya to newfound maturity.

👑 Sam Deep’s Genre Fusion
The trailblazer dropped Kings Of Kwapi Vol. 1 on June 12:

  • ⚡ 17 tracks blending Amapiano with Kwaito—a "new hybrid" redefining SA sound 8.

  • 💿 Released under Madeepana Records, spotlighting collabs with Stixx & Nvcho 4.

  • 🌍 Strategic timing amid Amapiano’s global surge.

💬 Lesego’s Deep Dive
Beyond the stats, this episode explores:

  • How Kevin Momo’s production "balances tradition and innovation" 6 to cross borders.

  • Mlindo’s vulnerability in narrating love and sacrifice—and why his comeback matters.

  • Sam Deep’s role in Amapiano’s "expansive evolution" 8.

✨ Final Take: "These albums aren’t just music—they’re blueprints for African artistry going global." – Lesego M

🔗 Where to ListenApple Podcasts | iHeartRadio
📱 Follow Lesego@BackroomConvos for more unfiltered music insights!

#Amapiano #KevinMomo #MlindoTheVocalist #SamDeep #SAmusic #MusicHistory #Backroomconvo's