Pop Culture Pundit

In this episode of Backroom Convos, Lesego M. sits down with Precious, the creative force behind Lekgarebe Industries, a Rustenburg-based jewelry brand that’s redefining elegance and empowerment. With her company just over a year old, Precious shares her inspiring journey, from drawing inspiration from her beloved grandmother to building a business aimed at empowering women.

We talk about her dreams for Lekgarebe Industries, including plans for manufacturing, distribution, and retailing her handcrafted jewelry across South Africa and beyond. Precious also opens up about the support she received from ABSA for branding, her recent skills exchange program in China, and her vision to inspire the next generation of jewelry designers.

Whether you’re a jewelry lover, entrepreneur, or just looking for a story that embodies passion and perseverance, this conversation is for you!

In Episode 140 of Worth the Hype or Underrated, we dive into the electrifying world of live music with a deep look at concert culture. From epic stage setups and unforgettable fan moments to ticket prices and accessibility, we’re breaking down everything that makes a concert a true hit or a total miss. Join Lesego M. and the team as we explore the magic—and the mayhem—that comes with the live music experience.

In this episode, we’ll cover:

• Production and Stage Design: How are artists transforming stages into full-on experiences, and what makes a concert setup stand out?
• Audience Engagement: We look at how artists connect with their fans in real time and create memorable, interactive moments.
• Marketing Rollout: What’s the impact of social media and pre-show hype in getting fans excited (or disappointed) before the show even starts?
• Concert Accessibility: From ticket pricing to venue choices, we evaluate what makes these events truly inclusive—or exclusive.

Whether you’re a die-hard concertgoer or just enjoy catching highlights on social media, this episode’s got you covered. Join us as we explore the highs, lows, and ultimate verdict of the concert culture phenomenon.

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.

Welcome to Backroom Convo's with Lesego M., Episode 138! In today’s episode, we dive into the captivating new developments in Season 2, Episode 8 titled "Under New Management". This episode brings high-stakes drama as Bevilaqua prepares for revenge, and Thresher and Ming negotiate a potentially game-changing arrangement.

• Song of the Day: We kick things off with the energetic "Diwa Kae" by De Mthuda and Kabza De Small featuring Mckenzie, Young Stunna, and Mkeyz. With its signature Amapiano beats and 112K views, this track sets the tone for today's discussion.

• Plot Overview: Bevilaqua’s plan for revenge takes center stage, while the alliance between Thresher and Ming sparks curiosity about shifting power dynamics. We'll break down how these plot points build suspense and drive the storyline forward.

• Scene Analysis: We take a closer look at Bevilaqua’s motivations and Thresher and Ming’s new arrangement, analyzing how each twist contributes to character growth and narrative intrigue.

• Rating the Episode: I'll share a detailed review, rating the plot, character development, cinematography, pacing, and rewatch value, and ultimately give an overall star rating.

• Book of the Day: Wrapping up with our book recommendation, Atomic Habits by James Clear.

In episode 137 of Monday Movie Review, Lesego M. takes a closer look at Dominique (2024), the latest action-thriller directed by Michael S. Ojeda. The film follows Dominique, a highly skilled assassin trying to escape her dark past by starting a new life in South America. However, her hopes for peace are shattered when she’s drawn into a town overrun by corruption and violence, forcing her to confront both external dangers and her inner demons.

Lesego M. breaks down the film’s thrilling action sequences, gritty storyline, and the emotional depth of Dominique’s character. With mixed reviews—an IMDb rating of 4.8/10 and 83% approval from Google users—the movie sparks interesting debate. Does Dominique deserve a second chance, or does it fall short of expectations?

Join us as we explore the cinematography, performances, and pacing, and see where this movie stands on the Monday Movie Review rating scale. Tune in to hear Lesego M.'s thoughts and final verdict—only on Backroom Convo's with Lesego M.!

In Episode 136 of Backroom Convo's with Lesego M., we dive into another exciting "Car Tunes Tuesday" as we explore the incredible journey of South African Amapiano sensation, LeeMcKrazy, also known as Linda Mnisi. Lesego M breaks down the timeline of his music career, from his early influences growing up in a musically inclined family to becoming one of the most accomplished vocalists in the Amapiano genre.

Join Lesego as they trace LeeMcKrazy’s rise to fame, starting with his bold decision to pursue a professional music career in 2015. The episode highlights the major turning point in his career, the release of his hit single "Eloyi", which has garnered an impressive 1.3 million streams across platforms. Lesego also touches on his continued success, releasing chart-topping singles and inspiring fellow artists with his unique talent and captivating performances.

Tune in to Backroom Convo's with Lesego M. on Spotify and Apple Podcasts to learn more about LeeMcKrazy's inspiring story and his lasting impact on the Amapiano scene!

Review" with a spotlight on Rebel Ridge, the latest thriller directed by Jeremy Saulnier. Lesego M breaks down the tense and action-packed story of an ex-Marine, played by Aaron Pierre, who finds himself caught in a deadly standoff with a corrupt small-town police chief after trying to post bail for his cousin.

Join Lesego as they explore the film’s intense themes of justice, corruption, and survival, while discussing the standout performances from a stellar cast including Don Johnson, AnnaSophia Robb, and James Cromwell. Is Rebel Ridge a must-watch for thriller fans, or does it fall short of Saulnier's previous works?

Tune in to this in-depth review where Lesego dissects the plot, the explosive action sequences, and the moral dilemmas at the heart of Rebel Ridge. Catch it now on Spotify and Apple Podcasts for all the movie insights you need this week!

In Episode 134 of Backroom Convo's with Lesego M., we’re back with another thrilling edition of "Monday Movie Review," diving into the world of action, drama, and intense storytelling. This week, Lesego M takes a closer look at two captivating series that have fans buzzing — the HALO series and the latest episode of Power featuring Tariq.

Join Lesego as they break down the HALO series, exploring its stunning visuals, gripping plot, and how it brings the legendary video game franchise to life on screen. Is it a hit with fans, or does it miss the mark?

We also turn up the heat with a review of the newest episode of Power, where Tariq's journey takes an unexpected turn. Lesego unpacks all the drama, plot twists, and character developments that keep viewers on the edge of their seats.

Whether you're a sci-fi enthusiast or a lover of intense dramas, this episode has something for everyone!

Tune in to Backroom Convo's with Lesego M. on Spotify and Apple Podcasts for in-depth analysis, exciting discussions, and all the latest in entertainment!

In Episode 133 of Backroom Convo's with Lesego M., we bring you another exciting "Car Tunes Tuesday" as we take a deep dive into the music journey of a truly inspiring artist. This week, Lesego M breaks down the career of Joseph Solomon, tracing his evolution from his humble beginnings to becoming a renowned singer-songwriter with a dedicated fan base.

Join Lesego as they explore Joseph Solomon's path to success, from his early days on YouTube, sharing soulful acoustic covers and spoken word poetry, to his transformation into a dynamic solo artist with a unique voice in the music world. We look at the pivotal moments, challenges, and creative choices that shaped his career, along with the impact of his music on fans across the globe.

Whether you're a long-time admirer of Joseph Solomon or just discovering his music, this episode offers a comprehensive look at the artist's journey and growth.

Tune in to Backroom Convo's with Lesego M. on Spotify and Apple Podcasts for an inspiring conversation that celebrates the power of music and artistic evolution.

In Episode 132 of Backroom Convo's with Lesego M., we bring you another exciting edition of "Monday Movie Review," where we dive into the latest film releases and trending topics in the world of cinema. This week, Lesego Mdlalose reviews Borderlands, the highly anticipated action-comedy featuring Kevin Hart in an unexpected role as an action star.

Join Lesego as they break down the movie’s explosive action scenes, unique humor, and how Kevin Hart's performance adds a new dimension to this thrilling adaptation of the popular video game. Is Borderlands a must-see blockbuster, or does it miss the mark? Find out Lesego's take on this genre-bending film.

Additionally, Lesego shares an exciting milestone: Backroom Convo's with Lesego M. has reached the number one spot in Botswana independently, without major sponsors or high-end equipment. Tune in to hear the journey behind this achievement and the dedication that made it possible.

Don’t miss this dynamic episode filled with movie insights and inspiring stories, now available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts!

In Episode 131 of Backroom Convo's with Lesego M., we celebrate the incredible achievements of women on our special segment, "Women Crush Wednesday." This week, host Lesego Mdlalose spotlights some of the most influential women making waves across the globe, with a special feature on Graca Machel.

Join Lesego as they delve into the inspiring life and legacy of Graca Machel, a renowned humanitarian, advocate for women's and children's rights, and one of the most respected leaders in the world. Discover how Machel’s work has impacted millions, from her role as a former First Lady of two nations to her ongoing fight for social justice.

Lesego also highlights other influential women making a difference in various fields, from business and politics to arts and activism, showcasing the power and resilience of women worldwide.

Tune in to this empowering episode of Backroom Convo's with Lesego M. on Spotify and Apple Podcasts, and get inspired by the stories of women who are changing the world one impactful action at a time.