Online Reporter
Mbulelo Mpofu, [email protected]
TODAY, the world pauses to honour the sweat and toil of the global workforce this International Workers’ Day, and Victoria Falls’ very own cultural storyteller, Leoptra “JustLeo” Reid, has offered a different kind of tool for the journey: a soul-stirring new single titled “Kusasa.”
Released today, May 1, the track is a sophisticated 3-step house anthem that blends the rhythmic pulse of modern Southern African dance music with the weight of traditional storytelling. For JustLeo, releasing a song about “tomorrow” on a day dedicated to the dignity of labour is no coincidence.
Rooted in Afro-fusion influences, “Kusasa” (meaning “Tomorrow“) is an expansive piece of art. It moves between the intimate vulnerability of a personal prayer and the communal energy of a dancefloor filler. Produced by the talented Troesky Beats and co-written with Mncedisi Jeremiah Ncube, the track captures the universal struggle of navigating uncertainty while clinging to the promise of a brighter dawn.
“Every song I write is a love letter to my people,’Kusasa‘ is my reminder to all of us that healing is possible, that heritage is powerful, and that no voice, no matter how small, should ever be forgotten,” she said.
While many know her as a powerhouse on stage, JustLeo’s journey began in the humble rows of Sunday School and Scripture Union. However, her evolution into a “cultural advocate” was a mantle she didn’t expect to wear so early.
“I always knew music would be part of my life, but I didn’t fully understand that it would also position me as a cultural advocate; that was a surprise. In my home and community, music isn’t just entertainment -it is how we tell stories and connect with who we truly are. Being an artist now means representing where I come from and making sure our voices are heard in a modern, global space,” she admitted.
In an industry often dominated by English and major commercial languages, JustLeo is intentional about her linguistic palette. She fluidly weaves an array of IsiNdebele, ChiShona, and English, while also tapping into Nambya, Tonga, and Nyanja.
For her, language serves as the ultimate vessel for preservation, acting as a cornerstone of identity that carries the memory of ancestors while fostering a vital connection between elders and the youth. By bridging this generational gap, it ensures a sense of relatability, allowing the contemporary and “modern” world to remain deeply and authentically rooted in its cultural heritage.
“When I create, I’m very intentional about incorporating different languages because it keeps them alive. Through language, we don’t just communicate – we keep our stories, our roots, and our heritage alive,” she explained.
Performing alongside the Simuniziva Band, JustLeo has spent years sharpening her craft on diverse stages. Her recent collaborations, including the celebrated cultural tribute “KUMMA’wa (East)” featuring the Djembe Monks, have cemented her reputation as a versatile creative who values the “universal language” of rhythm.
She credits these collaborations with teaching her humility and adaptability. “Every creative brings a different energy, and being in those spaces pushes me to grow beyond my comfort zone,” she said.
“Kusasa” is more than just a radio edit; it is a social impact tool. At a time when mental health and economic self-doubt weigh heavily on many, the song offers a reason to keep moving.
– Follow on X @MbuleloMpofu
