Online Reporter
“Right now, I am focusing heavily on my health and recovery, taking things one day at a time while relying on the hope of eventual healing,” said Lekompo singer Female June, whose promising music career has been put on hold after a sudden and unexplained medical condition left her unable to walk.
As doctors continue searching for answers, the Limpopo artist is leaning on the support of her fans while hoping to return to the studio.
From the villages of Limpopo to the music stage
In the heart of Limpopo, within the quiet streets of Ga Matlala near Polokwane, Mmanoko Francina Seabela, better known as Female June, discovered a gift that would shape her future.
The 33-year-old singer described herself as a shy and respectful child who preferred singing over playing with other children. Music became her escape and her greatest passion.
“Music was always a central part of my life. While other children played, I would find a quiet corner to sing, living inside the songs, mimicking the stars and mentally composing verses,” she recalled.
“It was through those private moments that I realised my voice was a calling.”
Her musical influences include Shandesh, Candy Tsa Mandebele, Kharishma, Fiesta Black and Makhadzi. She also credited her mother as the person who gave her the strength to keep chasing her dreams.
“My musical inspiration is a blend of local artists and legends, while drawing my deepest strength from my mother, whose support has been the bedrock of my journey,” she said.
A dream begins to take shape
June’s professional journey started in 2020 when she began recording songs with local producer STANZA and uploading them to SoundCloud.
Her breakthrough came earlier this year after local supporter Lekau Maffa heard of an opportunity for new artists during an interview on Thobela FM.
The interview featured The Billionaires, who encouraged aspiring musicians to submit their music to Charlie Communications.
“I connected with Charlie Communications, which marked the shift from an independent hopeful to a structured professional artist,” she said.
The label released her debut single, “Chomi Tsaka”, across streaming platforms in June.
The song quickly gained attention across Limpopo.
“I am happy to share that it is doing well. Radio stations around Polokwane are playing it. People are dancing to it in taxis and different establishments. It was released during my birthday month, which made it even more special.”
June believes that Lekompo was always the genre she was meant to perform.
“Lekompo felt like a natural destiny rather than a genre that I had to chase. I can sing the flow more than any other genre because it matches my heartbeat and allows me to tell emotional stories.”
A sudden health setback
Just as her career was gathering momentum, everything changed overnight.
June had been preparing to record a new single that was scheduled for release in September when she woke up with severe pain and swelling in one of her legs.
“As I had planned to record my upcoming EP, the day of my recording session, when I woke up, I sensed inflammation and uncertainty in my lower body. To my surprise, my leg was painful and swollen, and I could not get up.”
The experience came without warning.
“No, experiencing something so sudden and immobilising overnight was entirely unexpected and shocking.”
She sought medical attention immediately, but doctors have not yet been able to identify the cause of the swelling.
“I went to see a doctor, but the doctors could not determine what caused it.”
The uncertainty has been one of the hardest parts of the experience.
Putting her health before music
The singer admitted that stepping away from music has been emotionally difficult, especially when she had been looking forward to recording new material.
“It was heartbreaking because that very morning I was supposed to go to the studio to record my upcoming single that was set to be released this September.”
“Stepping back when you are so driven to succeed and support your family is incredibly tough.”
For now, her priority is recovery.
“Right now I am focusing heavily on my health and recovery, taking things one day at a time while relying on the hope of eventual healing.”
A plea for support
June said that the overwhelming support from fans has helped her remain hopeful during one of the most challenging periods of her life.
“Thank you so much for your continuous love and concern. Even though I am facing this medical challenge, your support means the world to me.”
She also revealed that the illness has placed financial strain on her, making it difficult to cover medical expenses.
“I thought I would be able to support my family through music. However, at the moment I cannot even support myself medically.”
“Any kind of support would be deeply appreciated.”
Because doctors are still searching for a diagnosis, she said that any financial or practical assistance from well-wishers would make a meaningful difference.
“At this stage, because the doctors have not yet determined the exact cause of the swelling and I am struggling to cover my medical needs, any financial or resource-based assistance from well-wishers to help me navigate these medical costs would be a tremendous blessing.”
Despite the setback, June remains hopeful that she will soon return to doing what she loves most.
Her growing catalogue of songs includes “Chomi Tsaka”,”Ba Porofeta”, “Bjala Ke a Bonwa”, “Pase Nkemele”, “Aowa Ke Maaka”, featuring Sparker, “Donation” and “Etlang”, featuring Kytonic.
While her music is temporarily on pause, she is determined that this chapter will not be the end of her story – IOL.
