{"id":43629,"date":"2025-03-04T06:02:03","date_gmt":"2025-03-04T04:02:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/peoplespost\/leo-letsape-from-street-performer-to-sought-after-musician-20250304\/"},"modified":"2025-03-24T15:28:13","modified_gmt":"2025-03-24T13:28:13","slug":"leo-letsape-from-street-performer-to-sought-after-musician-20250304","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/peoplespost\/leo-letsape-from-street-performer-to-sought-after-musician-20250304\/","title":{"rendered":"Leo Letsape: from street performer to sought-after musician"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><br><p data-end=\"299\" data-start=\"99\"><strong>Leo Metcalf Letsape, influenced by his grandparents\u2019 musical legacy and inspired by \u201990s R&amp;B artists like Boyz II Men and Brian McKnight, began his musical journey with the Junior Ramblers brass band.<\/strong><\/p><br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><br><p data-end=\"469\" data-start=\"303\"><strong>After a back injury ended his construction career, Letsape turned to street performances in Hout Bay, leading to his role as the lead singer of the band Ocean\u2019s Riff.<\/strong><\/p><br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><br><p data-end=\"645\" data-start=\"473\"><strong>Adapting during the pandemic, he transitioned to a solo career, performing diverse genres and working on original music, with plans to release new material later this year.<\/strong><\/p><br><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p>Leo Metcalf Letsape was surrounded by music from an early age. His grandparents were founding members of the Christmas band New Guiding Star, a legacy that ensured music was always a part of his life. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Yet, it was the smooth harmonies of Boyz II Men and the soulful melodies of Brian McKnight that truly ignited his passion for performance. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cI really wanted to be like those stars in the \u201990s,\u201d Letsape recalls. \u201cBut I always kept an open mind for music, listening to all kinds of genres.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Last year Letsape took his passion to the next level by joining the Junior Ramblers, a brass band that later collaborated with the Hout Bay Brass Band. This led him to Hout Bay, a place that would become both his stage and his home. However, life took an unexpected turn when a construction-related back injury forced him to seek new ways to make a living. \u201cI lost my job and had to find alternatives to generate an income. That\u2019s when I turned to singing on the streets.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Armed with a trolley, carrying his guitar, music box, battery pack and mic stand, Letsape made the streets of Hout Bay his performance venue. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cI\u2019d sing outside restaurants and eateries, always ending my day at Mariner\u2019s Wharf, where my equipment was stored on the boat of the late Captain Brad.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>His persistence paid off. He saved enough to buy a car and later joined the band Ocean\u2019s Riff, performing across the South Peninsula. But when the pandemic disrupted live performances he adapted once again transitioning from busking to becoming a sought-after solo artist.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Letsape refuses to be confined to a single genre. \u201cI do them all, from reggae to rock, country to funk and even Afrikaans music,\u201d he pointed out. \u201cI just go along with the energy I get from the crowd.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>His performances blend guitar and percussion, ensuring each set is as dynamic as his audience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Despite essentially being a cover artist he has never stopped writing his own music. \u201cI used to write Afrikaans songs just for friends and family, but now I\u2019m working on some originals I plan to release later this year.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Hout Bay Harbour holds a special place in Letsape\u2019s heart. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cI love being able to express myself through music and meet people of all colours and creeds. It\u2019s <\/p>\n\n\n\n<div contenteditable=\"false\" data-embed24=\"Blockquote\" data-pos=\"Middle\" id=\"embed_4f80c9b6\">\n<div class=\"text\">I love being able to express myself through music and meet people of all colours and creeds. It\u2019s fulfilling to see them enjoy what I have to offer.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>fulfilling to see them enjoy what I have to offer.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Over the past three years his consistent presence at Mariner\u2019s Wharf has led to countless bookings for birthday parties, markets and events.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cTo me, music is all about creating memories. With the perfect playlist, any occasion becomes even more special.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For Letsape the journey is far from over. \u201cI want to perform for as long as Jah gives me strength,\u201d he said. His aspirations include studying marketing to promote his music and investing in a small billboard with his name and contact details to display during performances. \u201cI\u2019m also saving for better transport and sound equipment. Hopefully, in a year I\u2019ll be able to move my family out of the mountain in Ocean View.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Despite the challenges ahead, he remains undeterred. \u201cIt\u2019s a long shot, but there\u2019s no sense in giving up. There will be stumbling blocks, but you have to be strong and keep pushing.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Leo Metcalf Letsape was surrounded by music from an early age. His grandparents were founding members of the Christmas band New Guiding Star, a legacy that ensured music was always a part of his 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