Los Angeles after the fires: 'You can only live in a disaster zone for so long' Ep.158

host Lesego M discusses the recent wildfires in Los Angeles and their impact on the city's ambitious "LA 2.0" smart city initiative. Governor Gavin Newsom has announced plans for a "Marshall Plan" to expedite recovery and reimagine Los Angeles post-wildfire. Yahoo However, the fires have exacerbated the city's housing crisis, leading to bidding wars and significant rent increases in both Los Angeles and neighboring areas. WSJ Despite state laws capping rent increases during emergencies, reports of price gouging have emerged, prompting authorities to take action. Reuters Join us as we explore the challenges and opportunities facing Los Angeles in the wake of these even

Los Angeles after the fires: 'You can only live in a disaster zone for so long' Ep.158

host Lesego M discusses the recent wildfires in Los Angeles and their impact on the city's ambitious "LA 2.0" smart city initiative. Governor Gavin Newsom has announced plans for a "Marshall Plan" to expedite recovery and reimagine Los Angeles post-wildfire. Yahoo However, the fires have exacerbated the city's housing crisis, leading to bidding wars and significant rent increases in both Los Angeles and neighboring areas. WSJ Despite state laws capping rent increases during emergencies, reports of price gouging have emerged, prompting authorities to take action. Reuters Join us as we explore the challenges and opportunities facing Los Angeles in the wake of these even

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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