Da L.E.S’ Health Crisis Stalls Possible Jozi Group Reunion. The SA hip-hop scene was dealt a significant blow when renowned rapper Da L.E.S suffered a stroke last month. The news not only sent shockwaves through the music industry but also disrupted plans for a potential reunion of the iconic Jozi group.
Jozi is a hip-hop group that made waves in the South African music scene and had been reported to be working on a reunion utilizing the upcoming Made in Mzansi Festival, taking place on 28 and 29 September 2024, at Freedom Park in Tshwane.
The group consists of Ishmael (Ish), Lesley Mampe (Da L.E.S), Bongani Fassie (Bongz), and Crazy Lu (Luther Yakanawa Cohen) who passed away in 2019.
According to Zimoja, the three members were in the process of planning a reunion. They were actively working on reconciling their differences and making amends to come together once again. “They were planning a reunion after a decade apart and have been in talks about sorting out their differences, making things work, and maybe performing at the upcoming festival. But that might not see the light of day as Leslie is still not looking good,” a close friend told the publication.
The friend mentioned that Da L.E.S. remains hospitalized and could be there for an extended period stating that he still needs prayers. “He still needs prayers and his family is hoping he makes a full recovery,” a friend added.
Even though Da L.E.S. won’t be able to attend the upcoming festival, Ishmael confirmed that he will still perform and is eagerly looking forward to it. He also mentioned that discussions about a Jozi reunion have been ongoing, and while they may have had some issues to resolve, their bond remains strong, and they simply need to mend a few aspects of their brotherhood.
“I look forward to being part of the festival,” he said. “Yes, we had been in talks as Jozi, and we have never stopped being brothers; we just needed to mend a few broken issues in the relationship. We pray that Leslie gains his strength and recovers,” Ishmael said.
