Palesa, the all-female afro pop and jazz group, took the music industry by storm when they released their debut album in 2003, Promise. Founder and producer, Don Laka, explained, "For as long as I can remember, female trios have always been a colourful and integral part of the showbiz scene. Lately, they have just inexplicably disappeared; leaving a void I jumped at filling."

At the time, the first ladies of Kwaai jazz comprised of sisters Monki and Evy Mojaki and friend, Mapitsi Nkgapela. After the release of their second album, Faces in 2004 however, the group subsequently changed its members.

Laka adds, "We were getting somewhere with the first trio of Palesa when suddenly, out of the blue, things went wrong. That's when I decided on running the whole thing as a concept than a group. This way, if someone feels disgruntled and leaves, the concept does not fall like a pack of cards"

Three vibrant women with a myriad of personalities and vocal ranges, from different backgrounds became the new faces of Palesa: Faith Maphai, Rebecca Matlou and Zanele Vilakazi.

Maphai who hails from Mamelodi decided to pursue music as a career after entering Pop Stars and seamlessly progressing to the Top 15. Also from Mamelodi, Matlou studied a music business course through SETA and has sound theatre credentials having worked with Usuthu until 2003. Vilakazi, a Swaziland native, impressed Laka with her demo; he hired her on the spot after a successful audition.

The group went on to release Phantasy (2007), with the smash hit Mmino as their first single. Towards the end of 2008, Palesa went back in the studio and are currently working on their fourth, yet untitled, album.

After a shaky start, Palesa want to feature prominently in gigs and becoming an international force to reckon with. A feat they will achieve without much effort with their relentless dedication and determination.

• Phantasy nominated for Best Adult Contemporary Album: African, SAMA (2008)