Black Diva’s rise to fame

Breaking into the music industry is never easy, and South Africa-based, Insiza-born versatile artiste Leslie “Black Diva” Muleya knows this struggle all too well. Her story is one of resilience, passion, and determination — qualities that she hopes will lead her to success in the competitive music industry.

Born on September 13, 1995, at Shangani Mine, Black Diva spent her childhood in eNsango Village 2, Insiza. She attended Shangani Mine Primary and Secondary School, where she walked 20kms to and from school daily.

“I did my A-level at Gloag High School in Bulawayo, but my childhood and education were disrupted by my parents’ divorce. I had to step up and become a parent to my twin sisters, who were only six months old at the time. While other children played, I worked on farms to provide for my siblings,” she shared.

Financial struggles meant that well-wishers often stepped in to cover her school fees and provide food, as her grandparents struggled to make ends meet.

Black Diva’s passion for music began at an early age. She always stood out in school choirs, where she was a leader in both primary and high school. However, her difficult background affected her confidence.

“I always loved music, but I had low self-esteem and feared rejection. My music journey began in 2022 when a friend encouraged me to pursue my talent. I started writing and recording songs, though my first track, Ama2000, was low-budget and low-quality, so I never released it,” she recalled.

Her first successful project was a Dancehall track titled Why, sung in Shona as part of her efforts to reach a wider audience. She has since built on that success with several other releases in Afro, Hip-Hop, Dancehall, and Amapiano genres including Why, Badgyal, Ngilombuzo (2023), and Kamuendero Kawakazoita, Ndozvandinomudira, Moses, and the hit Mntanami (2024).

Her latest track, Thilo Lilo, was released on Sunday and is accompanied by a video.

“I have eight songs on YouTube, including Thilo Lilo, where I featured Slim Vevo and Rebo Dee. I also have an EP coming out in April or May titled Uhambo Lwami. I have now committed fully to music, quitting everything else to follow my passion,” she said.

Now a mother of one, Black Diva relocated to South Africa in 2016 in search of greener pastures. Her main focus is now on music, as she hopes to make a name for herself and support her grandmother, who played a crucial role in her upbringing.

Her heartfelt plea to fans is simple: “Please support your artistes, especially female artistes. I’ll make you proud, and I want to raise the Matabeleland flag high. @themkhust