music, entertainment, artist Puleng Phoofolo, Image: Supplied
Puleng Rebecca Phoofolo is more than just a name in the South African music scene. She’s the embodiment of passion, resilience, and transformation.
Born on December 25, 1995, in Virginia, Free State, Puleng’s journey to stardom began in the most humble of places—at church, where she first discovered her love for singing.
From the Sunday school choir to the Worship Team, she was not just singing; she was building a foundation for a future that would soon catapult her into the spotlight.
"Music has always been my form of expression," Puleng reflects. "It’s where I find peace and release. Growing up, church was my safe space, and singing felt like a second home."
Her path in music was quiet yet powerful. She honed her skills, becoming a staple performer at local events across the Free State.
But it wasn’t until early 2022 that Puleng’s career took a turn. Ntate Teboho Moloi, a respected name in the industry, extended a life-changing opportunity to her—an invitation to perform at his Ya Re Tshepisitseng album launch in Bloemfontein.
That performance would mark the beginning of her professional music career. "That moment felt like everything I had worked for was finally coming together," she says, her voice tinged with nostalgia.
By late 2022, Puleng’s destiny was sealed when she met Mr. Sliq Magagula.
The pair quickly forged a partnership, and she was officially signed to Sliq Records Pty Ltd, where she has since blossomed into the label’s first lady.
"Signing with Sliq was a big step. I felt it was the right time to take my music to the next level," she adds with a smile.
Her debut single Morero, released in March 2023, was a powerful statement of her arrival. The track, followed by a gripping visual release, captured the hearts of her growing fan base.
Later that year, she teamed up with Malome Vector on Rato Laka, a song that continues to enjoy high rotation in South Africa.
Yet, it wasn’t all smooth sailing. Puleng’s emotional resilience would be tested in 2024, when tragedy struck. A tragic accident claimed the lives of her close friends and collaborators—Malome Vector and Lizwi Wokuqala.
Their passing left a hole in her heart and in the music community. Yet, through her grief, Puleng found the strength to push forward.
"Keoshebile": A Love Song for the Ages
On Valentine's Day, Puleng released her first single, Keoshebile—a Sesotho phrase that means "I am watching you"—following the tragic accident last year.
The track is both a confession and a conversation about the universal experience of having a crush on someone you’re too shy to approach but can’t stop admiring.
Whether you’re finally ready to express your feelings or just want the perfect love anthem, Keoshebile is the ultimate soundtrack for your bae.
Keoshebile marks Puleng’s triumphant return to music after a year-long hiatus, following the tragic accident that claimed the lives of her close friends and colleagues, Malome Vector and Lizwi Wokuqala.
The single features Trymore Way and the late, great Lizwi Wokuqala, with production by Flash Cortez.
It’s a deeply emotional and poignant release that showcases Puleng’s resilience and passion for music as she pours her soul into this tribute to love and life.
Related Topics: