Liesl Penniken first captured the hearts of South African audiences as one-third of the award-winning pop trio Jamali, one of South Africa’s most successful and beloved female groups. With multiple chart-topping hits, sold-out performances, and a career spanning more than two decades, Jamali became a defining force in South African pop music, earning a loyal fan base and cementing Liesl’s reputation as one of the country’s most respected vocalists. Now, Liesl is embracing this new chapter as a solo artist while continuing to build on Jamali’s remarkable legacy. “I’m incredibly excited because this feels like a season of growth and new beginnings,” Liesl shares. “At the same time, I’d be lying if I said it wasn’t a little challenging. Promoting two projects at once means learning to balance both my solo career and Jamali, but I believe God has a purpose for every season, and I trust that everything meant for me will happen at exactly the right time.”
Her latest single, This Is Who I Am, written by Theunis Duvenhage, is a powerful anthem of courage, resilience, and self-belief. With heartfelt lyrics and an inspiring message, the song encourages listeners to embrace who they truly are, rise above fear and self-doubt, and never allow anxiety or others’ expectations to define their future. “This song is a reminder that true strength comes from accepting yourself,” Liesl shares. “And by standing confidently in your purpose and believing that your voice matters. Liesl shared her first solo single, Fallen Pieces of a Broken Heart, and went straight into working on the next single. “This Is Who I Am carried a completely different message. It’s an uplifting song that encourages people never to give up, to keep getting back up after every setback, and to keep taking the next step towards the life they’re meant to live.”
Liesl’s message with the song is simple: “More than anything, I hope people hear this song and remember that delays don’t mean your dreams are over. Life will present challenges, but if you keep believing, keep moving forward, and stay true to yourself, your breakthrough will come in its own time.” Beyond her success as a recording artist, Liesl has also become a familiar face on South African television. As a television presenter and media personality, she has built a reputation for her warmth, authenticity, and natural ability to connect with audiences, further establishing herself as one of South Africa’s most versatile entertainers.
“As creatives, we shouldn’t be afraid to grow or explore new avenues. Every song I release will reveal another side of me as an artist, but one thing will always stay the same – my music will carry a message of hope, encouragement, and authenticity. So, people can definitely expect plenty of new music and some exciting collaborations before the year is over.”
With new music, exciting collaborations, and a renewed creative vision, she remains one of South Africa’s most respected and enduring entertainers. “The studio is definitely where you’ll find me for the rest of the year. I’m working on releasing more singles, and one thing I’ve promised myself is that I never want to be limited to just one genre. At the same time, I’m looking forward to collaborating with different artists and exploring different sounds and styles.”