PALESA

Based in Johannesburg

All-female vocal trio PALESA - the “The First Ladies of Kwaai Jazz” -  took the music industry by storm with their debut offering, PROMISE, in 2003. Palesa's founder and producer Don Laka explains thus: "For as long as I can remember, female Trios have always been a colourful and integral part of the showbiz scene. Lately, they have just inexplicably disappeared; leaving a void I jumped at filling."

Consisting of three vibrant women with different personalities and vocal ranges, 2008 SAMA Award nominated Palesa is just about to release their latest, yet untitled offering. Having gone through quite a few changes since its inception, the outfit is now established as Zanele Vilakazi (Swaziland), Rebecca Matlou and Faith Maphai. Although intent on pursuing their original style of Afro-pop and Afro jazz, Laka says the girls, who each were chosen for their unique style, effectively compliment each other.

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Matlou's has a strong theatre background, having worked with Usuthu until 2003, when she started a course in music business Seta. Maphai decided to pursue music as a career after progressin to Pop Stars' Top 15. Vilakazi, a Swaziland native, sent Laka her demo tape when realising it will be difficult to further her musical career in her homeland. Laka invited her for an audition, during which he was so impressed that he offered her the third spot on Palesa on the spot.