Leon John

Leon John is a genre-defying singer-songwriter whose music transcends borders, blending soulful melodies with introspective storytelling.

Born in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, to a South African Xhosa educator mother and a Zimbabwean diplomat father, he spent his formative years in Cairo, Egypt, before moving to South Africa at the age of 17. His diverse cultural upbringing has profoundly influenced his artistry, infusing his music with rich textures and a deeply personal narrative.
From an early age, Leon John displayed an innate passion for music. His journey into the world of songwriting and performance began at 11 when a teacher recognised his vocal talent and encouraged him to sing in front of the school. This pivotal moment ignited his love for the stage, setting him on a path that would see him evolve into a formidable artist.

Leon John ’s sound is rooted in Pop, with strong influences from Soul, R&B, and Gospel. Inspired by African musical greats such as Oliver Mtukudzi, Miriam Makeba, Thandiswa Mazwai, and Salif Keita, he has cultivated a distinctive style that seamlessly merges African musical traditions with contemporary elements. His evocative and resonant vocals, coupled with poetic lyricism, have drawn comparisons to some of the most compelling voices of his generation. His ability to weave deeply personal narratives into universally resonant music has earned him widespread acclaim. His self-taught vocal prowess and storytelling ability set him apart as an artist of rare emotional depth and authenticity.

Since his debut, Leon John has steadily built a reputation for his powerful live performances and critically acclaimed releases. His debut EP, 'To Be Continued' (2018), garnered millions of streams, establishing him as a rising star in the African music scene.

The success of his singles 'Somebody' and 'Pray For You' further cemented his status, with the latter peaking at #5 on the 5FM Pop Charts and earning placements on major editorial playlists across Apple Music and Spotify.
A recognised Standard Bank 'We Are Culture' artist (2022), Leon John has performed at some of the most prestigious events and venues in Johannesburg. Notably, he collaborated with renowned creative director Trevor Stuurman and designer Rich Mnisi for a performance at the Global Citizen Mandela 100 Summit. In 2021, his storytelling and music were brought to life in a sold-out ballet choreographed by the Joburg Ballet Company, a testament to his music’s ability to inspire across artistic disciplines.
In 2022, Leon John released his highly anticipated full-length album, 'License to Feel.' Described as a “rude awakening coming of age”, the album delves into themes of identity, generational disillusionment, and the complexities of navigating the world as a young, Black, queer African artist. Critics lauded the album for its raw emotional honesty, intricate lyricism, and innovative soundscapes whilst praising its depth and authenticity, with Mail & Guardian describing it as "a fascinating contribution to the contemporary South African music soundscape”.

Continuing his trajectory of artistic excellence, Leon John unveiled his latest single, 'In The Morning,' in 2025, which has received...