By Rinelda Mouton
Afrikaans-and-hip-hop recording artist, S-Man and DJ Lerato’s love story began in June 2012, but they didn’t start dating three months later.
S-Man (born Leroy Johannes Pieters), is a multi-award-winning Afrikaans rapper. He made history as the first artist from southern Namibia to win a Namibia Annual Music Award (NAMA) in the best afrikaans category.
Trudie Makgone, known by her stage name DJ Lerato began her deejaying career in 2011.
DJ Lerato said she met S-Man 2012 on their way to Gobabis, traveling in the same car. They were booked for the same show.
“The romantic relationship started when he showed up at every event I played at to support me. That’s when I realised that he was serious about me,” DJ Lerato recalls.
The female Dj said S-Man in 2017 proposed while he was busy recording in the studio.
“On 2 November 2024 the bogadi (Setswana term of paying lobola) took place in the early morning hours and in the afternoon we had the traditional wedding at Nkandla Lodge in Walvis bay. On 14 February 2025 we had the civil wedding in Okahandja. Both weddings where small and intimate as we only had close relatives there,” she added.
DJ Lerato admits that romantic relationships can be challenging.
She said to keep a happy and loving relationship they always put each others happiness first before anything else.
“Always forgive each other. No matter how angry you are with each other at night when going to bed make sure you sleep in the same bed. We like spending time together going out often to eat at restaurants as S-Man loves good food,” DJ Lerato said.
The couple said they are actively involved in each others work. DJ Lerato would often Dj at S-Man’s shows while he is her manager.
“We have our own recording studio at home. We organise all of our events together. I admire his work. He puts passion and hard work into everything that he does. The fact that he gets to do what he loves everyday is inspiring.”
DJ Lerato said getting where she is today was not easy, but every challenge taught her resilience, self-belief, and the importance of knowing her worth.
Raising 4 children DJ Lerato said her greatest motivation is her family.
“My family life is busy. I am balancing a 8-to-5 career, motherhood, marriage, running a business and my passion for being a Dj. It is not always easy, but I have learned how to manage, prioritise, and keep going. What makes it all possible is having a family that truly supports me. They believe in my dreams, understand my commitments, and stand beside me every step of the way. My family is my biggest support system and the reason why I continue to push myself to become the best version of who I can be,” she said.
S-Man reveals that has plans to releases a new album ‘Die Mal Huis’ end of August.
S-Man said respecting each other is key in any romantic relationship. He adds that dates and communication is also important.
“The first time I met her I had a hangover. My manager booked me to perform in Gobabis and while on the trip I slept on her lap. At the show when they call up DJ lerato’s name to Dj, I was like ‘she is my wife’. I was also amazed by her dimples,” S-Man said.
S-Man said she is the strength and back bone of his music career.
“She is my friend, the only person in the world that knowns who I truly I am. We do events, recordings and outings together. We never ever sleep angry at each other. We always kiss and make up even if are angry. I cook for her, give a full body treatment and messages and not a day goes by that I don’t tell her I love her and how beautiful she is to me,” the artist also known as the “Koning van die Suide” said.
