“Imagine a sound that doesn’t just hit your ears but shakes your spirit.”
That’s how Takudzwa Lesley Sibanda, known as TLS, describes the energy he brings to his craft. He’s not your average rapper or your typical producer, he calls himself a cadence architect. And once you hear what he’s creating, it’s easy to see why.
TLS doesn’t follow trends; he engineers atmospheres. With music rooted in hip hop but echoing the soul of psychedelic rock, the grit of kwaito, and the electricity of modern experimentalism, TLS is part of a new creative class pushing the boundaries of sound, emotion, and movement.
“I am TLS,” he begins, grounded and confident. “My journey in hip hop began around 2017. I used to watch Trace Urban and Mzansi Magic. I’d see those artists and get so inspired.”
His fascination with music quickly turned into creation. By 2019, after a friend introduced him to FL Studio, he was producing his own beats. “Shoutout Nezbook Beats (Anesu),” he adds. “The rest was history.”
And while some may mistakenly think he’s a dancer, TLS is quick to clarify: “I’ve never worn tap shoes in my life. I’m not a dancer. I’m a cadence architect. I construct sound and movement in unity. I’m less interested in fitting into a category and more focused on reshaping how people experience the intersection between music, motion, and spirituality.”
His sound defies easy labels.
“It’s an animated fusion of rhythm, love, nonacceptance, anger, rebellion, motivation, discipline… every emotion expressed in an anomalous tone.”
His influences are just as wide-ranging: Earth, Wind & Fire, Tame Impala, Michael Jackson, Tyler, The Creator, Kanye West, Joyner Lucas, Wu-Tang Clan, and more.
But one of his greatest inspirations is his upbringing.
“I grew up in strict environments where questioning things wasn’t welcome. But I’ve always been curious. I was known for asking questions. That mindset shaped how I create.”
When TLS builds a track, it’s about more than just the beat.
“It starts with an emotion, a concept, an idea, or even a single sound. I sculpt the sonic landscape from there. I freestyle to bring up ideas. Every breath, every pause, every word, there’s harmony to it. I rehearse it like a symphony.”
While he doesn’t tap dance, TLS understands how rhythm and movement connect.
“If I were working with dancers, I’d say the challenge is making sure one element doesn’t overpower the other. They must complement, not compete.”
Collaboration is a huge part of his process.
“My pops taught me that collaboration is the lifeblood of evolution. Shoutout to RichPainRecords, DripScopeRecords, and Antido.te. I’ve done a hell of a lot of collabs, and I’m even on this TV show because of them.”
As a producer himself, TLS knows that great collaborators can elevate his work.
“Each one adds texture, perspective, and depth.”
So what’s he trying to communicate through it all? Empowerment. Passion. Drive.
“I want people to feel seen. I want them to remember that childhood feeling when anything felt possible. Some call it delusion, I call it vision. I believe if you can think it, it can happen. We could even bring back dinosaurs if we really wanted to.”
While TLS doesn’t necessarily see himself changing hip hop, he believes he’s creating something so unique, it may become its own genre.
“My style doesn’t just fit in hip hop, it builds beyond it.”
And he wants young creatives to know that waiting for the “perfect moment” is a trap.
“Just drop. The perfect time is now. The greatest artist, God, created the Earth in seven days. Don’t waste time.”
He also believes that true artistic power lies in understanding the spiritual side of creativity.
“A lot of people miss that part. Spirituality is the secret to unlocking your full potential as an artist.”
Being humble, especially when you’re starting out, is a value he holds close.
“When you’re humble, you seem less of a threat. More people are willing to work with you. That’s a principle straight out of The 48 Laws of Power, and it’s real.”
What’s next for TLS?
A conceptual EP, cinematic visuals, experimental sounds, and a curated performance series that brings together hybrid artists like himself.
“The next chapter is all about elevation. I’m gonna be one of the greats, mark my words. And don’t confuse my drive for lack of humility.”
Dream collaborations? He’s aiming high.
“Michael Jackson, Tame Impala, Kanye, Earth, Wind & Fire. I want to work with artists who understand sonic fluidity. I want to perform on platforms like FIFA, the Super Bowl, or my own stage, which will be big.”
As for his brand, TLS envisions a creative hub, blending music, performance, education, and storytelling.
“I’m building a legacy that doesn’t just entertain. It empowers me.”
TLS isn’t asking for permission. He’s crafting a new blueprint, one that’s unpredictable, spiritual, and unmistakably his.
You don’t just hear TLS.
You feel him.
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