GET TO KNOW Touché’s Lelo and How the Love for Music Led Her to Defy Expectations
One-half of the DJ duo Touché, Lelo Mkhwanazi, has always been surrounded by music. Raised by a father with an eclectic taste, she was introduced to instruments like the violin and piano, making him her first guide into the world of music.
Her love for music quickly evolved beyond her father’s influence, drawing her into the classical world. It became more than just a passion—it was a gateway to self-discovery. “I’m naturally a very curious person, so being exposed to new challenges, especially with my dad pushing my limits,” she recalls.
These sessions were intense, often consisting of half-day lessons focused on music theory, reading music, and practice. Over time, music became an integral part of her identity. It shaped her decisions—like joining a marching band in high school—and became her sanctuary: a place of peace, growth, and pure enjoyment.
Lelo Mkhwanazi | SUPPLIED
A Leap of Faith
In April 2019, Lelo took a bold step, moving from Empangeni with an unshakable desire for more.
“I had no plan of what I’d do when I came here, really. I remember just asking my mom to get me a bus ticket. She panicked, as any mom would, but I followed through.”
For a while, she lived with her sister, but in October 2021, tragedy struck—her eldest sister passed away. That loss became a turning point in her life.
“That became a push to stand on my own two feet and find my way. I felt like God was saying, ‘Simphiwe and Sne played their roles in your life, now you need to stand.’”
Shortly after, her remaining sister left Joburg, leaving Lelo completely on her own.
“It was heavy, I won’t lie. I had multiple panic attacks. Some days, I’d wake up crying, not knowing why.
“But things just came together exactly how I prayed they would,” she says, adding that hard work was just as crucial in getting her to where she is now.
Lelo Mkhwanazi | SUPPLIED
Building Touché: A Bold Move in a Male-Dominated Space
Balancing her full-time corporate job with her passion for the arts is no easy feat, but Lelo remains committed to making it work—alongside her business partner, Sihle.
“Sihle actually reached out to me, suggesting that since we have so much in common, we should do something with our musical love and talents. I wasn’t sure at first because I’m actually a really shy person, but the more she sold the idea to me, the more I saw the potential in us.
“We went through so many name ideas. But we didn’t want to be associated with anything mediocre—we wanted to build a brand that is respectable and marketable.”
As a duo, Touché challenges stereotypes. Their genre—Gqom and Afro/Electric House—and their petite appearance often lead people to mistake them for Amapiano DJs. But they are determined to forge their own path.
“Every time we start a set, people are always shocked,” she says, laughing. “We’re not what they expect. We’ve even had people ask us to change our style because Afrotech and Gqom are considered ‘male genres.’ And our response is always, ‘Touché.’”
In other words: ‘You didn’t expect this, but here we are, proving you wrong.’
Lelo Mkhwanazi | SUPPLIED
A Journey of Growth and Resilience
Now, three years into her DJ career, Lelo believes she is on the right track.
“The journey hasn’t been smooth. Even between us, there have been clashes—just natural differences. Fatigue also played a role because we were handling everything ourselves until we finally got a manager. But once that happened, the dream became clearer and even more exciting.”
Beyond DJ’ing, Lelo’s interests are vast. But for now, she’s embracing the present moment and seeing where the journey leads.
“I am so proud of the leap I took. When I look at how far I’ve come, I truly believe I have been protected at the highest level. That has encouraged me to keep going in music.
“I know, without a shadow of a doubt, that I am in the right place. And that’s why I’m confident that music is where I belong.”