Pleasure Tša Manyalo, real name, Pleasure Ramadimetja Peta, is a well known wedding songs singer from Limpopo.
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Once strictly played at weddings, family gatherings, and tombstone unveilings, ‘Manyalo’ music, also known as wedding songs, has broken beyond its ceremonial roots to dominate major clubs, social events, and even mainstream music venues across South Africa.
Blending its deep roots in tradition with modern sounds and social media trends, Manyalo music has become the soundtrack of Limpopo’s wedding season and a symbol of how South African heritage evolves and thrives across generations.
The genre is especially loved by the Bapedi-speaking people in Limpopo.
Over the years, Manyalo music has changed, especially owing to music streaming platforms and the power of social media.
Every December, during the busy wedding season, Manyalo music becomes the soundtrack of Limpopo.
People play it non-stop, even when there’s no wedding happening!
Manyalo music started in the early 2000s and was heavily influenced by church and gospel sounds.
One of the most well-known artists, Pleasure Tša Manyalo, whose real name is Pleasure Ramadimetja Peta, started singing in church.
She began her music career in 2000 and released her first album, “MaAndrews Volume 1 (Sheba Nna),” in 2005.
The album helped her become one of the top names in the genre.
Another big name is “Maredi Maredi”, whose real name is Edwin Maredi.
His songs, such as “Makuru Why”, “Ke Topile Yes”, and “Dilo Stofong”, have made him a favourite among Manyalo fans.
Manyalo was once mostly enjoyed by older people due to its deep roots in tradition, but that has changed.
Now, young people are also big fans.
The music has been updated with modern sounds, and the lyrics speak about everyday life and social issues that many people can relate to.
In 2022, Pleasure released a song called “Mosadi o Fiwa Tshelete” (a woman should be financially supported in a relationship or marriage).
The song connected well with a popular trend on social media, where people were saying “Monna ke tshelete.” (“A guy should either have money or be willing to support his partner financially.)
The song talked about how important money is in relationships and quickly went viral. It became the most-streamed Manyalo song on Spotify in 2022.
Another one of her songs, “Ke Lorile,” came second in Thobela FM’s Song of the Year list the same year.
Pleasure also appeared on the SABC1 TV drama Skeem Saam, performing at a wedding scene for characters Elizabeth Thobakgale and Zamokuhle Seakamela.
Besides Pleasure and Maredi, other artists are helping Manyalo grow, is Tiisetso Swafo, from Ga-Mathabatha near Lebowakgomo.
His song “Ikemishetxe Go Laolwa”, gives advice to women getting ready for marriage. It talks about being respectful and prepared for married life.
He also acted in the TV show Uzalo on SABC1, playing the role of Tebelelo. His other songs include Late Adolescent and “Kgope.”
Other popular artists include Ayanda Maleka, also known as “Ayanda Tša Manyalo”, “Lolo Ten Ten”, and Esther Mphahlele.
What makes Manyalo’s rise so amazing is where it started.
Many artists used to perform outside shopping centres, at small weddings, and family gatherings.
Today, they perform at major clubs, festivals, and events, sharing stages with top artists from other genres such as Amapiano and House.
In Limpopo, during the wedding season, the excitement around Manyalo is huge.
The dancing, the singing, and the cultural pride make the celebrations feel like a national event.
Even though Manyalo still talks about marriage, family, and relationships, the music has changed in style and message.
The genre also talks about Pedi culture and traditional beliefs around weddings. It often gives advice to newlyweds about marriage, the challenges they might face, and how to deal with them.
Artists now sing about modern life, social media trends, and current issues to connect with younger listeners.
Manyalo has gone from a small, traditional genre to one of the most popular types of music in South Africa, showing up on streaming charts, big radio stations, and dance floors all over the country.
IOL News