Gqom newbie sends a warning to Wodumo

Lemme Dhladhla

During weekdays she is a courteous banker but come weekends she belts out gqom songs that many believe are capable of giving Babes Wodumo sleepless nights.

Lemme Dhladhla, 27, is a Zulu lass based in Khayelitsha with dreams of making it big in music. Her burgeoning group of fans have even dubbed her the Gqom Goddess.

Though she is a born Zulu, she writes her lyrics in Xhosa. She studied at Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) where she presented shows on the campus radio station, UniFM.

She has interviewed the likes of Kelly Khumalo, Khaya Mthethwa, Chad Saaiman and Big Nuz during her time at the station.

“My passion for being an artist came from a young age, I was very active growing up. I did Zulu traditional dancing, hip hop dancing in school and loved entertaining family during family gatherings,” Lemme said.

People always loved how she spoke English so eloquently and encouraged her to sing because her voice was unique.

Buoyed by these compliments, Lemme joined the entertainment industry.

In 2018 she was chosen to represent the Western Cape in the national Nedbank Ke Yona presenter search competition.

“That was a great experience. I then approached my cousin, DJ Mowie, who was already in the industry, to help me start my career,” she said.

DJ Mowie called her into the studio and they recorded a gqom song titled Ingxaki, which was featured in DJ Mowie’s EP.

“That’s a hit and people love it and the way I approach the song. The support and love I get from people is amazing. Doors started opening for me and gigs came in numbers,” said Lemme.

She has also worked with East London based Cruel Boyz who are signed under the Kalawa record label, as well as Mashaya, a producer from Robertson, and Mdantso.

“I recently did a single with Cel’ umnqongo producer, Jive MaWeekend and I am planning to shoot a music video soon,” she said.

She might kiss her banking career goodbye if gig demands continue this way.

“I have an upcoming gig in Worcester and Ashton in September and will be part of an NGO event working alongside Miss SA 2019 Zozibini Tunzi,” she said.

As Vukani Entertainment prepares to leave her flat, Lemme issues a warning, “Babes Wodumo needs to watch out , I have arrived.”