Despite his meteoric rise in the Amapiano scene and a string of chart-topping hits, 22-year-old musician LeeMcKrazy insists that fame hasn’t changed who he is. Born Linda Mnisi in Diepkloof Zone 5, Soweto, LeeMcKrazy remains grounded and true to his humble beginnings, even as he basks in the success of hits like “Kokotela,” “Jealousy,” “Kwelanga 2.0,” “Ebasini,” and “Eloyi.”
Speaking candidly to Sowetan, LeeMcKrazy recalled the surreal moment he realized he had become a household name. “I never expected any of this. All this fame was a surprise to me. I realised I was famous in 2023 when I threw my one-man show and the pull-up was crazy,” he confessed. Yet, despite the accolades, he admits that the reality of fame can be overwhelming at times.
“Fame irritates me at times. I can’t live my life the way I used to. I can’t do anything freely. I always have to keep my guard up… even a simple thing like lighting a cigarette, people will judge me. Some expect me to wear Gucci, but I’m just LeeMcKrazy—I’m not a celebrity. I’m still the same old guy from the hood.”
LeeMcKrazy, known for his iconic catchphrase “bare ke Leemecke!”, acknowledges that the public eye has forced him to adopt a new level of discipline.
“I never used to beg people. I am a pantsula. I would often just let things be, but since being in the industry, I’ve learnt how important it is to speak properly to people because essentially, my music is my business and I need to stay booked and busy,” he explained.
Despite the hustle, he also voices the exhausting loss of privacy that comes with fame. “Having no privacy is exhausting. Sometimes I wish I could leave fame on the stage and not take it anywhere with me. Every time I am out, people want to take pictures, and it sometimes gets hectic.”
A committed family man, LeeMcKrazy is not swayed by the intense female attention he now receives.
“My focus is being a family man and making money. I’m enjoying fatherhood as it has put a perspective on my life. I have a goal and mission—ensuring my family and I are set,” he states firmly.
Reflecting on his humble beginnings, he recalls how people once looked down on him for not having money, only to seek him out once he’d made it. “Now that I’m at the top, those who rejected me are asking to work with me, and I refuse to do it. Why now that I’m at the top?”
With his debut album, Intando Ka God 2.0, amassing over 6.5 million streams and a vision to influence fashion and collect awards, LeeMcKrazy remains determined to shift the game while staying true to his roots—a testament to the fact that despite the glare of fame, he is still the same kid from the hood.
“The plan is to continue to influence the fashion culture with all the inspiration I derive around me. To collect a few awards – you know, Samas (SA Music Awards) to MetroFM Music Awards. I also hope to work with Jason Derulo, Rick Ross and Focalistic again. Can’t wait to turn the heat and shift the game,” he said
