Sjizzle makes triumphant return to the studio

One of Lesotho’s most celebrated music producers, Neo Thakeli, popularly known as Sjizzle, has officially made his long-awaited return to the music production studio after a five-year hiatus.

Famous for his signature tagline “If Sjizzle got the beat,” the trailblazing producer was among the first to make trap music fashionable in Lesotho, shaped a generation of artists and ushered in a new era for the local music scene.

His early collaborations with household names such as Jiji F, KOL Productions, and KI in the early 2010s cemented his reputation as a creative visionary and pioneer.

In an exclusive interview with Newsday this week, Sjizzle confirmed that he is back doing what he loves most, making beats and redefining the sound of Lesotho once again.

“I am fully back and will be putting out some work soon. It’s been a few months now of working on logistics and testing things in the studio,” he said.

According to Sjizzle, his time away from music was never intentional. Instead, it was shaped by a mix of personal and global circumstances.

“I took a trip to visit my mother in Botha-Bothe, and family matters kept me there longer than expected. Then COVID-19 hit, and I had to venture into other things,” he explained.

When he finally returned to Maseru in 2021 with hopes of rebuilding his production career, tragedy struck again, his hard drive, containing years of beats, samples, and project files, was destroyed.

“That incident really discouraged me,” he recalled. “The person I took it to for repairs damaged it beyond recovery. Losing all my work was heart-breaking.”

Still, words of encouragement from some of Lesotho’s most respected artists reignited his creative spark.

“I started getting messages from legends like Budaza, Sir Schaba, and Papazee telling me the music wasn’t the same without me,” he shared.

The turning point came when he stumbled upon a Strictly Lesotho Music Facebook post where fans fondly reminisced about his early contributions.

“Reading the comments, I realised people still remembered and appreciated my work. That’s when I knew I had to come back,” he said.

During his early career, Sjizzle helped define the sound of modern Lesotho hip-hop. He produced Gee Flaggs’ album MIA and Juvy’s hit single Se Ke Ile featuring Sam and Bible Verse, among several other popular tracks. His sound, a distinctive fusion of crisp drums, melodic synths, and infectious basslines, became a blueprint for many emerging producers.

Now, after years of reflection and growth, he says he returns more focused and business-savvy than ever.

“I’m more skilled and wiser now. I have studied not only sound production but also how to sustain longevity in the music business,” he said.

To mark his comeback, Sjizzle entered and won the LNIG Hollard Hit Factory Producer’s Competition, beating stiff competition from renowned producers such as Shev Shengu and DJ Masilo.

“I saw the competition just as I was finding my feet and decided to enter. The pressure was intense because I was up against big names — Shev, who produced Lekholo la Banna, and DJ Masilo, known for his amapiano hits. Winning reminded me that I still got it, even after all this time,” he said.

With his return, fans can expect a fusion of nostalgia and innovation as Sjizzle reconnects with both veteran and rising artists. His comeback signifies not just the revival of a beloved producer, but a story of resilience, rediscovery, and creative rebirth.

Because when Sjizzle got the beat, Lesotho listens, and this time, he’s back to make it louder than ever.

Chris Theko

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.