Online Reporter
Nodumo Moyo [email protected]
SOUTH Africa-based Zimbabwean artiste Leslie “Black Diva” Muleya is celebrating a major career milestone after her breakout hit “Thilo Lilo” surpassed two million views on YouTube, doubling the one-million mark it achieved last year.
The feat comes as the song continues to gain traction ahead of the release of Black Diva’s upcoming EP, signalling a new chapter in the artiste’s career.
Released on February 23, 2025, “Thilo Lilo” features SlimVevo and Rebo Dee, with Elcee Gweja handling its production and mastering. The song crossed the one-million-view mark less than a year after its release.
Inspired by Lovemore Majaivana’s classic “Uzakufa Kubi”, the song explores infidelity and its impact on relationships, families and communities.
Reflecting on the journey from one million to two million views, Black Diva said the latest milestone had left her overwhelmed with emotion and gratitude.
“It was an indescribable moment for me. I felt an overwhelming wave of gratitude, disbelief and emotion. I thought about where I started, the sacrifices I have made, the moments when I questioned myself, and the people who continued to believe in my dream. Seeing ‘Thilo Lilo’ reach 2 million views felt like a beautiful confirmation that the music I create is touching lives beyond the boundaries I once imagined,” she said.
Although she believed in the song from the outset, Black Diva said she never imagined it would achieve such success.
“Honestly, I believed in the song, but I never anticipated that it would ascend to such extraordinary heights. When I released ‘Thilo Lilo,’ my greatest desire was simply for people to listen, relate to the story and feel something. The 2 million views have surpassed my expectations tremendously,” she said.
She believes the song’s authenticity and relatable subject matter have been central to its continued popularity.
“I believe its greatest strength is authenticity. ‘Thilo Lilo’ carries emotions that are profoundly human – love, vulnerability, betrayal, disappointment and resilience. It tells a story that doesn’t belong to one person or one place; it belongs to anyone who has ever loved deeply and experienced the complexity of relationships.
“The music is infectious, but beyond the melody, there is a narrative that people recognise as their own,” she said.
For Black Diva, the song’s success also represents a significant moment for Matabeleland artistes, with the regional fan base playing a key role in taking her music beyond its traditional audience.
“As an artiste from Matabeleland, the support is deeply emotional for me because I know where I come from. Every time I see my people embracing my music, I am reminded that representation matters. This 2 million milestone is not mine alone, it belongs to my people too,” she said.
Her growing profile has also earned her recognition on the local entertainment scene. In 2025, “Thilo Lilo” earned her a Bulawayo Arts Awards nomination for Outstanding Song of the Year, while she was also nominated for Outstanding Newcomer.
The song’s connection to Majaivana remains particularly significant for Black Diva. Earlier this year, she described the legendary musician as her “legend” and “hero” and called for his return home.
In that sense, “Thilo Lilo” has become more than a streaming success. The song has also created a link between a new generation of Matabeleland musicians and the legacy of one of the region’s most celebrated artistes.
With the song now at two million views, Black Diva is already looking ahead. She is set to release a new EP on September 30, promising fans a project that will showcase different sides of her artistry.
