Leslie Jonathan Mampe Jr., professionally known as Da L.E.S, is a South African-American rapper, producer, actor, and entrepreneur born on July 26, 1985, in Washington, D.C. Raised in Johannesburg, he gained fame as a member of the genre-blending hip-hop group Jozi and later became a solo trailblazer with hits like “Heaven” (featuring AKA and Maggz). His work bridges U.S. and South African hip-hop, influencing fashion, media, and youth culture across Africa.
Profile Summary
| Full Name | Leslie Jonathan Mampe Jr. |
| Date of Birth | July 26, 1985 |
| Place of Birth | Washington, D.C., United States |
| Nationality | South African-American (dual citizenship) |
| Partner | Not publicly disclosed |
| Occupations | Rapper, Producer, Actor, Entrepreneur |
| Labels | Fresh 2 Def (independent label) |
| Net Worth | $2 million |
Early Life and Education
Born to South African parents (Leslie Sr., an IT specialist, and Priscilla Mampe), Da L.E.S grew up in Johannesburg’s northern suburbs after relocating from the U.S.
Immersed in his father’s music collection, he developed a passion for hip-hop as a teenager. While details about his formal education remain private, his creative journey began early, shaped by Johannesburg’s vibrant music scene.
Career
Da L.E.S launched his career in the early 2000s with Jozi, pioneering a mix of crunk, kwaito, and hip-hop. After the group’s success, he dropped his solo debut album Fresh 2 Def (2008), followed by the breakout single “Heaven” (2013), which cemented his place in South African rap.
He expanded into television with the 2014 reality series The Real Jozi A-Listers and later released critically acclaimed albums like North God (2015), Diamond in Africa (2016), and High Level (2017).
Through his label Fresh 2 Def, he produced genre-defining projects like Caution To The Wild (2020) and 313 (2023), blending contemporary trends with his signature sound.
A fashion icon, he popularized the Ama Kip Kip brand through music videos and public appearances. Collaborations with artists like Burna Boy, Riky Rick, and Gemini Major further solidified his influence.
In 2024, he relocated to Washington, D.C., after suffering a stroke, but continues to work on music while focusing on recovery.
Personal Life
Da L.E.S is a father to a daughter (godfathered by the late rapper AKA) and serves as godfather to AKA’s daughter. He maintains a private personal life, with no public details about romantic relationships.
Da L.E.S Net Worth
Da L.E.S, the South African-American rapper and producer, has an estimated net worth of $2 million. Known for tracks such as Heaven and All Eyes On Me, the artist (born Leslie Jonathan Mampe Jr. in Washington, D.C.) has built his fortune through music releases, live shows, and partnerships. With seven studio albums to his name, his career continues to contribute to his financial success.
Discography
Studio Albums
| Title | Year |
|---|---|
| Fresh 2 Def | 2008 |
| Mandela Money | N/A |
| North God | 2015 |
| Diamond in Africa | 2016 |
| High Level | 2017 |
| Caution To The Wild | 2020 |
| 313 | 2023 |
Notable Singles
- “Heaven” (feat. AKA, Maggz) | 2013
- “P.A.I.D” (feat. AKA, Burna Boy) | 2015
- “Summer Time” (feat. Riky Rick) | 2015
Awards and Nominations
- 2024: Nominated for Best Hip Hop at the MMA24 (specifics unspecified).
(Note: Historical award details remain limited publicly.)
Da L.E.S remains a cultural architect in African hip-hop, celebrated for his genre fusion, entrepreneurial spirit, and resilience.
