Born in Lesotho and raised in South Africa, John Tšenoli is now among the most captivating new voices in the Southern African music scene. With a voice that soars across genres and a story grounded in self-discovery, Tšenoli’s rise is as compelling as his music.
His soulful performances and heartfelt songwriting have seen him grow into a rising R&B-pop sensation, but his journey to the stage was neither obvious nor easy.
For the singer-songwriter, the biggest hurdle wasn’t breaking into the industry, it was learning to believe in himself.
“I think my biggest challenge was discovering my destiny, or what I now believe is my destiny,” he says. “I was never the academic child, so I struggled for years trying to figure out what I was actually good at.”
Tšenoli was born in Lesotho but moved to South Africa at a young age, growing up with influences from both countries. While this enriched his worldview and musical palette, it also created internal conflict, especially when he returned to Lesotho as an adult.
“I didn’t know much about my own culture, and that was tough,” he shares.
The turning point came after moving to Johannesburg around 2015. There, while attempting to further his education, a cousin suggested he explore the performing arts.
Unaware of any performance schools at the time, Tšenoli leapt and joined Stageworx School of Performing Arts. He would go on to graduate with distinction, earning his LTCL diploma from Trinity College London.
“Before I got to Stageworx and did the Born To Perform showcase, I honestly had no idea what I was capable of,” he recalls. “But performing a solo in front of an audience gave me this internal confirmation, ‘Yes, I can do this.’ I can connect with people. That experience opened everything for me.”
Yet, his love for music didn’t start on a stage. It was something he says ran in his blood.
“My entire family would vouch that music has always been a part of my DNA,” he says with a smile. “Especially my mother. She used to bring home DVDs of Michael Jackson’s performances. I was so inspired by him from a very young age. When he died, I cried like I had lost a family member.”
In high school, that passion started turning into ambition. “My friend and I joined this competition called PMB’s Got Talent. We didn’t win, but when the winners were announced, the crowd kept shouting our names. That was the moment I knew, this is what I want to do.”
Since then, Tšenoli has carved a promising path for himself in the music industry. His breakthrough single, I’m Just a Boy, resonated widely, especially with audiences in Lesotho. The song, written with the help of his mentors, captured his journey and longing to represent his roots through music.
“We were talking about the kind of journey I wanted as an artist—being a beacon of light for Lesotho,” he explains. “It was personal. I never expected it to be the song people would gravitate toward. But it became the one that helped me identify the kind of music I wanted to release. It was my ‘aha’ moment.”
Other releases like Long Road and You & I have further showcased his range and songwriting depth. He blends R&B, soul, pop, and acoustic elements into his music, refusing to be boxed into any single genre.
“I believe in versatility and diversity,” he says. “As long as I find a melody, I find a way to navigate around it. That’s something I took from Michael Jackson his ability to be fluid and evolve. I always try to stay open creatively.”
Tšenoli has also worked alongside notable South African music figures such as Alie Keys and Gemini Major—an experience he says was pivotal for his professional development.
“Working with them was so inspiring. Their work ethic is unmatched—studio session after studio session. It made me want to work faster, be more focused, and grow not just as an artist but as a songwriter too,” he says.
Despite his growing success, Tšenoli is not in a rush to release a full album. At least not yet.
“I’m still writing, still performing, still learning,” he says. “Right now, I want my followers to walk with me through this journey of self-discovery. It’s important to me that I grow authentically.”
That sense of reflection and resilience is what seems to define him most—not only in music but in life. When asked what he’s most proud of so far in his journey, his answer is simple but powerful:
“Honestly? I’m proud of myself. It was not easy getting here. It took years of questioning and searching. I’m proud that I believed in myself enough not to give up, despite everything around me that said otherwise.”
With his unique voice, a growing fan base, and an unwavering commitment to personal and artistic growth, John Tšenoli is more than just a rising star—he’s an artist coming into his own, step by step, verse by verse.
And if his story so far is anything to go by, the best is yet to come.
A Professional Communications practitioner with a wealth of expertise in marketing, public speaking, communication and media relations. I believe in learning everyday and improving one’s personal and professional capabilities.
* A former journalist and radio host who is passionate about media and it’s impact on society.
