From building a loyal fanbase during the controversial Big Brother Mzansi season four to becoming an award-winning singer, Liema Pantsi is proving that her dreams are becoming reality. At just 23 years old, the young star has already achieved milestones that many artists only hope for. She bagged Songwriter of the Year and Collaboration of the Year at the Basadi in Music Awards and gave a powerful performance at DJ Zinhle’s Zee Nation Fest.
Reflecting on her journey, Liema says the awards meant more than just trophies. “These awards just validated me in such a huge way. This is literally proof that I should keep going, there’s people that love my music, love me and want to see me do this so, ja, I have no excuses at all,” she shared with TRUELOVE.
Known for her bubbly personality and unstoppable energy, Liema admits she always envisioned herself reaching this level of success, even back in the Big Brother Mzansi house.
“When I went to Big Brother, I went there to promote myself musically and to put myself out there so that when I come out I have an audience. And although I didn’t think that South Africa would accept me or want to make music with me immediately, I was wishing. So, shout out to Cici for taking me after Big Brother and featuring me on a song, that gave me an opportunity for people to actually see me as an artist as well,” she gushes.
Her songs Amahloni, Hlala Nami, and the award-winning collaboration Impumelelo with Cici have solidified her as one of amapiano’s rising stars. Still, Liema makes it clear that she is more than just one sound.
“I started off being an R&B girlie, neo soul – strictly neo soul and R&B. But because we are in South Africa – I’m not saying R&B is dead, R&B still exists – but right now I’m also trying to find myself in other sounds as well. So, I’m being versatile, I’m working on piano sounds, Afrobeat sounds, just trying to find who I really am in the music scene without me coming with a definition of my own,” she explains.
Only a year ago, South Africa first fell in love with Liema during her time on Big Brother Mzansi. Growing up in the Eastern Cape, her life has completely transformed.
“The change was drastic to a point because coming from the Eastern Cape, I had to move here, come hustle here. I would say it’s a really big change because I really was, I was just a student and now I’m a superstar,” she says.
With her eyes set on future collaborations with stars like Shekhinah, Wizkid, and Tems, and with new music on the way, Liema Pantsi’s journey is only beginning – and it’s clear she is here to stay.
