Leigh Audrey, born Lethabo Mofomme, is a multifaceted artist whose talents span music, dance, and theater. A New York Film Academy alumni, Leigh has performed on international stages, worked alongside Broadway veterans, and won accolades like the Rising Star Competition in NYC. Now based in South Africa, she continues to captivate audiences as a singer, choreographer, and performer, blending Pop, R&B, and Soul in unforgettable ways. In this Five @ Five feature, Leigh shares her journey, creative inspirations, and the moments that have shaped her thriving career.

Can you tell us about the inspiration behind your debut EP?

The whole EP was centered around sharing the experiences I had in different relationships – be it friendship, romantic or familial. Every track feels like a diary entry of sorts because the goal was to be as honest as possible. I believe everyone is able to relate to the many sides of relationships because we’ve all experienced it in one way or another, so it came naturally  to draw inspiration from that for me.

How does this EP reflect your growth as an artist?

I believe everything I’ve learned and experienced is reflected in Summer Rain. Creating your own body of work requires that you fully encompass your personal knowledge in order for it to be unique, and the process of doing that forces you to grow. This is a project I couldn’t have created a year or two ago, and I attribute that to the personal and artistic growth I’ve experienced up to this point.

What has it been like transitioning into the music industry as an emerging artist?

It has been so enlightening. There are so many small details that go into being a part of the industry, and coming in ‘cold turkey’ has allowed me to learn a lot in a short period of time. One of my biggest take aways from coming into the industry has been the power of collaboration and networking; so the different people I’ve met and been able to work with have been my home base throughout this transition, and have made it easier for me to be the new kid on the block.

How do your theatrical and musical backgrounds influence your sound?

They are at the root of how I approach music – whether I’m listening or creating. I write from my theatrical knowledge of storytelling, and I create melodies and harmonies based on my choral background. I feel the most confident in my work when I apply what I’ve learned up to this point, and my theatre and choral background is a big part of that. I believe that has allowed me to explore and create a unique sound that comes from my perspective and skill set.

What do you hope listeners take away from your music?

I hope people hear a part of themselves in the music I create. I see music as a tool for communication and expression, so my goal has always been to treat it as a conversation with the listener. I’ve listened to a lot of music that made me feel like that artist was a close friend that knew all the right things to say, and that is the feeling I aim to create when I make my own music. I put as much honesty as I could into this EP, and I hope it garners genuine emotion when being received.