Palesa the trio that landed with a bang, taking the music industry by storm with their debut offering, has changed its face. Initially made up of Mapitsi Nkgapela, Monki Mojaki and Evy Mojaki, they have since passed the baton to Zanele Vilakazi (Swaziland), Rebecca Matlou and Faith Maphai.

Initially formed as a trio, founder and producer Don Laka explains thus: "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.

Although intent on pursuing their original style of Afro-pop and Afro jazz, Laka says the girls who each were chosen for their unique style, effectively compliment each other. He says they will each bring the enthusiasm to the studio, playing for winning than the loosing club. They are bound to influence and kick-start yet another generation of the dying trend of trios.
Sharing their secret, Matlou says that as opposed to just one vocal person behind the microphone, they are all going to alternate the leading of songs:"We are all brilliant singers".

Continuing, she says that to effectively showcase their voices, they intend to collaborate, medley style, with all of them participating simultaneously.That, she says, is not just about their talent but also carving a niche. The worst thing to happen to any of them she insists, is to be mistaken for their predecessors. "Creating and having our identity from the word go, should work wonders for our careers" Matlou stated.
As we speak, Palesa is just putting finishing touches to their single, which is set to be released soon.
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Matlou's background is that of theatre, working with Usuthu until 2003 when she studied music business, a learner ship with Seta. She is also proud of Ilobolo, a musical production she did while with Usuthu. As for Maphai, she was one of the starry hopefuls whose dreams were shattered when they failed to make it into Pop stars. She is justifiably proud of her tenacity and never die spirit that has saw her clawing her way to the Top 15 before falling by the way side.

Having realized that her beautiful voice will remain just that, if she continued to stay in Swaziland, Vilakazi sent Laka her demo tape before presenting herself for an audition. The pianist was so bowled over that he offered her the third spot on Palesa, there and then.
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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 if their determination is anything to judge by.