Lebo M and DJ Tira: music icons, epic dads

In the tree-lined avenues of Steyn City in Johannesburg; echoes of music and laughter fill the home of Grammy-winning composer Lebohang “Lebo M” Morake.

Known worldwide for his iconic work on The Lion King, Lebo may be a maestro in music, but says the joys of fatherhood bring him the greatest rewards.

As the world paused to honour dads on Father’s Day, Lebo M opened his home and heart to TshisaLIVE, sitting around the dinner table with a chef to serve him and his daughters Letti'anle, 14, Lulonke, 10, and Lesedi, 9.

“It is great experience to share days like Father's Day with my children. I learn interesting things with them, like the games on their phone,” he joked.

“At my age which is very young at 60, you get to relive the joys of your childhood through your children. That’s the good and the bad. But ultimately, they give me a reason to wake up each day.

“Any man, especially a father, who doesn't look at the faces of his children when they wake up — even if just through a picture — misses out. In a world as difficult as ours, my children are my inspiration to be a better person, professionally and personally. Nothing more, nothing less. That’s my joy.”

Lebo spoke about the advice he would give his younger self, which is he is exploring through the biography he's writing.

“I’ve realised I don’t live with regret,” he said. “Every mistake has been a learning curve. If I minimise the mistakes, I minimise the lessons. So I wouldn’t necessarily give advice, I’d have a conversation with myself.”

This introspective tone carries into a poignant milestone Lebo will soon mark: 20 years of sobriety. With pride and clarity, he shares the impact of living a life free from alcohol since his early 40s.

“Being sober has given me the ability to reflect on my life with clarity. It’s deeply meaningful. I’ve bought myself more time to enjoy life, something I might not have had if I continued down a different path, especially after experiencing exile at just 16 years old.”

He delves into his relationship with his father, a complex figure whose struggles with alcoholism left a lasting impression.

“My father was a violent alcoholic. That could’ve been a negative, but I turned it into a positive. I saw what I didn’t want to become. His life shaped mine, even in his absence. Every experience, even painful ones, has helped define the father I strive to be today.”

In the same spirit of celebrating fatherhood, renowned DJ and producer DJ Tira opened up about his life as a dad, husband and artist. For Tira, fatherhood is a source of immense joy.

“These children are growing me,” he says, describing how his children’s boundless energy mirrors his own. Raising his children — Chichi, Chase and Junior — is a melody of fulfilment as he cherishes their attentiveness and the happiness they bring into his life.

Reflecting on his youth, Tira advises his younger self to avoid distractions: “No time for bullsh*t, no time to play.” He says that focusing earlier could have propelled him further, emphasising the importance of hard work and discipline.

This wisdom echoes lessons from his father, who taught him to approach alcohol cautiously, a principle Tira applies to maintain balance in his high-energy career. Family is Tira’s proudest achievement.

Together with his wife, Gugu, he has built a tight-knit unit that thrives on mutual support and peace. “We’re a family of stars,” he beams, recalling how Chase recently won a school modelling competition and how Chichi’s dance moves reflect her mother’s talent. These moments like watching his children dance and take on TikTok challenges are cherished memories that fuel his drive.

Looking ahead Tira is excited about his children’s growth and his own career, which shows no signs of slowing down. “Stay tuned, there’s still a lot more coming,” he teases, confident that Chichi will shine as a star. To balance his demanding schedule, Tira’s mantra is simple: “Cut out the bullsh*t, focus on work and family.” For DJ Tira, success lies in nurturing his loved ones and his craft with dedication.