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Liema Pantsi

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Liema Pantsi
Born
Liyema Pantsi

(2001-10-25) 25 October 2001 (age 24)
Qonce, Eastern Cape, South Africa
Other names
  • Liema
  • Paradise
Occupations
  • Singer-songwriter
  • influencer
  • television personality
Years active2020–present
Height1.65 m (5 ft 5 in)

Liyema "Liema" Pantsi (born 25 October 2001) is a South African singer-songwriter, influencer and television personality. She is best known as the undisputed "Queen of S'ya Mosha and Bazozwa". She rose to fame after being bribed a cash prize on Big Brother Mzansi season 4 and was crowned the winner of Big Brother Mzansi season 6.

Pantsi made her first television performance in Idols South Africa season 16 in 2020 where she won Golden Ticket and released her debut song in 2022 "Ain't Worth It". In 2024, she released her debut studio album Bells N Whistles and won 2 Basadi in Music Awards in 2025 for Songwriter of the Year and Best Collaboration of the Year for "Impumelelo" song with Cici with the most nominations, five in total.

Early life

[edit]

Liyema Pantsi was born on 25 October 2002 in Qonce, Eastern Cape, South Africa.[1] She grew up in a supportive Christian household as the eldest of her siblings.[2][3] Her passion for performing surfaced early where she began singing for classmates at age four and joined a music group at 12 years old.[4] She balanced her artistic ambitions with everyday life, working as a bartender and even reaching the audition stages of Idols South Africa at the age of 19 and received the goldern ticket after she impressed all the judges, including guest judge, Cassper Nyovest.[5][6]

Career

[edit]

2020–2025: Career beginnings, breakthrough with Big Brother Mzansi season 4 and Bells N Whistles

[edit]

Pantsi made her first television debut on Idols South Africa season 16 in 2020 where she won a Golden Ticket on the first week Wooden Mic and released her debut single "Ain't Worth It" in 2022.[7][8] In January 2024, she joined Big Brother Mzansi season 4 (S'ya Mosha) as a housemate and bribed a cash prize of R250 000 on the 9th week.[9][10] The same year after the show, she released three hit single "Let Me Be", "Amahloni" and "Impumelelo" with Cici and went viral on social media platforms.[11][12][13] In late 2024, she released her debut album Bells N Whistles and won two awards at the South African Social Media Awards in terms of recognition for being the most influential television personality and content creator in South Africa.[14][15][16]

In 2025, Pantsi made her first performance in her music career where she performed at Big Brother Mzansi season 5.[17] She won 2 awards at the 2025 Basadi in Music Awards for Collaboration of the Year with Cici for "Impumelelo" single and Songwriter of the Year for "Let Me Be" single in August, and also performed that night at the awards ceremony.[18][19] She has been announced as part of the panel of judges for the 2025 South African Social Media Awards.[20] In August, she was featured in DJ Zinhle album namely Zee Nation Volume 1, and released a track "Hlala Nami" with Murdah Bongz and Mthunzi.[21] By late 2025, she joined Cici on her Love Tour in Eastern Cape.[22] In November, she released a single track "Funa Wena" with De Mogul SA.[23]

2026–present: Big Brother Mzansi season 6

[edit]

In January 2026, Pantsi returned as one of the four "redemption housemates" includes Bravo B, Mmeli and Dube in the Big Brother Mzansi season 6 (Bazozwa).[24][25] She was voted back into the house by the public for a second chance for the grand prize.[26][27] On week 9, she was inducted in the finale with Thandeka and Trixie where they became the first 3 housemates to be inducted to the final.[28][29] On 22 March 2026, she was crowned the winner of the Big Brother Mzansi season 6 with 33,84%, while Thandeka ended up as the Runner Up.[30][31][32][33] She was the owner of the theme song "Bazozwa!" of the Big Brother Mzansi season 6 with Cici and King TK, which was released while she was in the show.[34] In April, she teased a new unreleased track with a rapper and songwriter Usimamane.[35][36]

In May, Pantsi was featured on Malawian Afropop artist Onesimus's single "Someone to Love" debuting number 1 on South African iTunes on the release date.[37] On 5 June 2026, she released the pop rap single track "Lose Control" with Usimamane.[38] Her recent single track "Lose Control" received No 1 spot in the South African iTunes in one week for the second time in the chat.[39] In June, she received a nomination for Dance Music Artist of the Year from 2026 Basadi in Music Awards, shared with DJ Zinhle.[40]

Artistry

[edit]

Pantsi's musical genres have been described as Amapiano fusion, R&B, Afrobeats, Neo soul and Afro Pop.[41]

Other ventures

[edit]

Endorsements

[edit]

In late 2025, Pantsi was announced as a brand ambassador for the Honor X7d smartphone brand with DJ Tira, Naledi Aphiwe and other influencers.[42]

Acting

[edit]

In October 2025, she appeared in a Netflix popular television series Bad Influencer as a recurring cast.[43][44][45]

Public image

[edit]

Liema Pantsi is a musical artist whose public image is defined by her "main character" presence from reality television to award-winning musician and social media influencer.[46] She is popular with her dedicated fanbase, nicknamed "Lillies".[47] She is perceived as a strategic and resilient figure, notably for her exit from Big Brother Mzansi season 4 in 2024 with a cash prize and her 2026 return to the franchise in the Big Brother Mzansi season 6.[48][49] Her reputation is further bolstered by professional accolades, including Songwriter of the Year at the 2025 Basadi in Music Awards and recognition as one of the Best Social Media Influencer in South Africa.[50][51] She is the only undisputed "Queen of S'ya Mosha and Bazozwa" Big Brother Mzansi show for season 4 and 6.[52]

On 10 April 2026, Pantsi hosted an event "Liema's homecoming" after being crowned the winner of show and went viral on social media platforms.[53][54]

Controversy

[edit]

The controversy centers on a popular reality television personality Somizi Mhlongo high-profile support for Pantsi during the 2026 season of Big Brother Mzansi, which reached a point when he publicly pledged to give her R2 million if she is not winning the Big Brother Mzansi season 6 television show.[55] This move sparked backlash on social media, where critics labeled him a "deadbeat father" and accused him not supporting his only daughter Bahumi Madisakwane, reportedly struggles financially.[56] The situation became more complex when the day Pantsi chose to exit the competition early for a guaranteed R250 000 "Fate Room" cash prize during Big Brother Mzansi season 4 in 2024.[57][58][59]

Pantsi was also involved in a widely reported rivalry with Thandeka Tshabalala during the show calling Thandeka's boyfriend, Mmeli a handbag.[60][61] Following the finale after she was crowned the winner of the season, her fellow Runner-up Thandeka publicly questioned the fairness of the results, saying she is the only "Queen of Bazozwa".[62][63]

Discography

[edit]
Liema Pantsi discography
Studio albums1
Singles6

Studio albums

[edit]
List of studio albums, with selected details and chart positions
Title Album details
Bells N Whistles

Singles

[edit]

As lead artist

[edit]
Title Year Album
"Ain't Worth It" 2022 Non-album single
"Impumelelo" (with Cici) 2024 Bells N Whistles
"Let Me Be"
"Amahloni"
"Bazozwa!" (with KingKT and Cici) 2026 Big Brother Mzansi season 6
"Lose Control" (with Usimamane) Non-album single
"—" denotes a recording that did not chart in that territory.
[edit]
List of singles as featured artist, with year released and album name
Title Year Album
"Home" (Nosipho featuring Cici and Liema Pantsi) 2024 Mthandazo
"The Honour" (Majorsteez featuring Liema Pantsi and PinkFur) 2025 Streetwise 2

Filmography

[edit]
Year Title Role Notes
2020 Idols South Africa Herself Theatre Week: Group Rounds, Season 16
2024 Big Brother Mzansi season 4 Contestant Bribed, Week 9
2025 Bad Influencer Herself Recurring role, Season 1
Big Brother Mzansi Reunion Herself Part 1
2026 Big Brother Mzansi season 6 Contestant Winner

Awards and nominations

[edit]
List of awards and nominations for Liema Pantsi
Association Year Category Nominated works Result Ref.
South African Social Media Awards 2024 Social Media Beauty Influencer of the Year Herself Won [64]
Popular Hashtag on Social Media Won
Social Media Dominance of the Year Nominated [65]
Basadi in Music Awards 2025 Collaboration of the Year "Impumelelo" with Cici Won [66]
Songwriter of the Year "Let Me Be" Won
Music Video of the Year Nominated [67]
Newcomer of the Year Herself Nominated
Collaboration of the Year "Home" with Nosipho and Cici Nominated
2026 Dance Music Artist of the Year Herself with DJ Zinhle Nominated [68]

Tours

[edit]

Supporting

  • Cici – Love Tour (2025)

References

[edit]
  1. ↑ Seemela, Masego (2026-03-22). "Liema Pantsi claims 'Big Brother Mzansi' title in powerful redemption win". Sowetan. Retrieved 2026-04-10.
  2. ↑ Tlhoaele, Kgalalelo (2026-03-22). "Liema's mum in tears as daughter wins Big Brother!". Daily Sun. Retrieved 2026-04-10.
  3. ↑ Matlala, Kea (2026-03-23). "The mother of Big Brother S6 winner Liyema Pantsi admires her daughter's strong will". News24. Retrieved 2026-04-10.
  4. ↑ Booi, Silindokuhle (2024-05-16). "Life update with BBM star, Liema Pantsi". Bona Magazine. Retrieved 2026-04-10.
  5. ↑ "Liema Pantsi Embraces Her Individuality in New Single "Let Me Be"". BellaNaija. 2024-07-11. Retrieved 2026-04-10.
  6. ↑ Tleane, Lebo (2026-03-23). "10 Interesting Facts About Big Brother Mzansi Season 6 Winner Liyema Pantsi". Youth Village. Retrieved 2026-06-01.
  7. ↑ Shinga, Cebolethu (2024-04-07). "Big Brother Mzansi star Liema Pantsi and Cici cooking new music together?". IOL. Retrieved 2026-01-18.
  8. ↑ Mdaka, Zintle (2024-07-02). "BBM star Liyema Pantsi releases another song". Bona Magazine. Retrieved 2026-01-18.
  9. ↑ Mamaila, Mzwandile (2024-03-25). "'I didn't choose to take the money' Liema mistakenly leaves BBMzansi". News24. Retrieved 2026-01-18.
  10. ↑ Mphande, Joy (2024-03-19). "Liema exits BBMzansi competition with R250k". TimesLIVE. Retrieved 2026-01-18.
  11. ↑ "Liema Pantsi Embraces Her Individuality in New Single "Let Me Be"". BellaNaija. 2024-07-11. Retrieved 2026-01-18.
  12. ↑ Mazibuko, Thobile (2024-11-14). "Fans react to Leima Pantsi's unexpected music release". IOL. Retrieved 2026-01-18.
  13. ↑ Booi, Silindokuhle (2024-05-16). "Life update with BBM star, Liema Pantsi". Bona Magazine. Retrieved 2026-01-18.
  14. ↑ Ngenyane, Andiswa (2024-12-22). "Liema shares life experiences with fans". Daily Sun. Retrieved 2026-01-18.
  15. ↑ Sibiya, Sibongumenzi (2024-11-26). "Big Brother Mzansi star takes two at the Sasmas". Daily Sun. Retrieved 2026-01-18.
  16. ↑ Mdaka, Zintle (2024-11-25). "Liema Pantsi bags 2 awards at SASMA's". Bona Magazine. Retrieved 2026-01-18.
  17. ↑ Gcaba, Jessica (2025-03-10). "Fans Suspect Jareed and Liema Pantsi are Still Dating After Big Brother Mzansi Appearance". Briefly. Retrieved 2026-01-18.
  18. ↑ Seemela, Masego (2025-08-03). "Former Big Brother Mzansi star Liema wins big at the Basadi in Music Awards". Sowetan. Retrieved 2026-01-18.
  19. ↑ Khulu, Ntombi (2025-08-18). "Big Brother Mzansi's Liema Pantsi is ready to conquer the music world". News24. Retrieved 2026-01-18.
  20. ↑ Hlalane, Reabetswe (2025-08-26). "Meet the Judges Behind the 2025 South African Social Media Awards". OkMzansi. Retrieved 2026-01-18.
  21. ↑ "WATCH | DJ Zinhle drops 'Zee Nation Vol. 1' with a bang". Bona Magazine. 2025-08-05. Retrieved 2026-05-21.
  22. ↑ Tebele, Mbali (2025-03-19). "Singer Liyema Pantsi Joins Cici on Her Love Tour to Eastern Cape, SA Reacts "So Proud of You"". briefly.co.za. Retrieved 2026-01-18.
  23. ↑ "Liema Pantsi & De Mogul SA - Funa Wena". Amapiano Updates. 2025-11-14. Retrieved 2026-05-21.
  24. ↑ Magagula, Nompumelelo (2026-01-18). "Bravo B and Liema Pantsi's return fuel safety and redemption debate in Big Brother Mzansi". News24. Retrieved 2026-01-18.
  25. ↑ Zuma, Mbalenhle (2026-01-12). "'Big Brother Mzansi S6': Liema, Mmeli, Dube and Bravo B return for redemption". Sunday World. Retrieved 2026-01-18.
  26. ↑ Hlalane, Reabetswe (2026-01-15). "Why Liyema Pantsi Decided to Give Big Brother Mzansi Season 6 a Second Chance". OkMzansi. Retrieved 2026-01-18.
  27. ↑ Seemela, Masego (2026-01-12). "Meet the Big Brother Mzansi season 6 contestants". Sowetan. Retrieved 2026-01-18.
  28. ↑ Sithathu, Nomathamsanqa (2026-03-10). "'Big Brother Mzansi' season 6 finale: Thandeka, Trixie and Liema secure spots in final week". IOL. Retrieved 2026-03-10.
  29. ↑ Mdaka, Zintle (2026-03-10). "3 Spots taken in 'Big Brother Mzansi' finale". Bona Magazine. Retrieved 2026-03-10.
  30. ↑ Sithathu, Nomathamsanqa (2026-03-20). "Eastern Cape star Liema Pantsi wins 'Big Brother Mzansi' S6". IOL. Retrieved 2026-03-22.
  31. ↑ Seemela, Masego (2026-03-22). "Liema Pantsi claims 'Big Brother Mzansi' title in powerful redemption win". Sowetan. Retrieved 2026-03-22.
  32. ↑ Mdaka, Zintle (2026-03-23). "'Big Brother Mzansi' winner Liema is thankful for a second chance". Bona Magazine. Retrieved 2026-03-23.
  33. ↑ Mphande, Joy (2026-03-23). "Liema wins 'Big Brother Mzansi' season 6". TimesLIVE. Retrieved 2026-03-23.
  34. ↑ "KingKT, Liema Pantsi & Cici "Bazozwa!" featuring DJ Sneja". Afro House King. 2026-03-22. Retrieved 2026-04-04.
  35. ↑ "Usimamane Teases New Track with Liema Phantsi". SlikourOnLife. 2026-04-02. Retrieved 2026-05-01.
  36. ↑ Banda, Clive (2026-04-02). "Usimamane Shares Studio Session With Big Brother Mzansi Season 6 Winner Liema Pantsi". SA Hip Hop Mag. Retrieved 2026-05-01.
  37. ↑ "Malawi's Onesimus Tops South African iTunes With Liema Pantsi Collaboration on New Album". HYBE Magazine. 2026-05-27. Retrieved 2026-06-01.
  38. ↑ Rhode, Jade (2026-06-02). "Liyema Pantsi's upcoming pop song with SA rapper excites fans". Bona Magazine. Retrieved 2026-06-05.
  39. ↑ "Liema Pantsi Lands Second iTunes No. 1 in One Week with "Lose Control" Featuring Usimamane". HYBE Magazine. 2026-06-08. Retrieved 2026-06-09.
  40. ↑ Tleane, Lebo (2026-06-19). "Check Out the Full List of Basadi in Music Awards Nominees 2026". Youth Village. Retrieved 2026-06-24.
  41. ↑ Khulu, Ntombi (2025-08-18). "Big Brother Mzansi's Liema Pantsi is ready to conquer the music world". News24. Retrieved 2026-04-10.
  42. ↑ Tebele, Mbali (2025-12-13). "A Look at Honor's New X7d Smartphone That Has DJ Tira and Other Celebs Capturing Cute Snaps". Briefly. Retrieved 2026-01-18.
  43. ↑ Johnson, Olumide (2025-10-09). "Liyema Pantsi Joins the Cast of Netflix's Upcoming Drama Bad Influencer". Creeb Hills. Retrieved 2026-01-18.
  44. ↑ "Liyema Pantsi joins Netflix's star-studded series Bad Influencer". Herald. 2025-10-09. Retrieved 2026-01-18.
  45. ↑ Hlalane, Reabetswe (2025-10-08). "Liyema Pantsi Joins Netflix's Star-Studded Series Bad Influencer". OkMzansi. Retrieved 2026-01-18.
  46. ↑ Hlalane, Reabetswe (2025-08-18). ""These Awards Just Validated Me": Liema Pantsi Celebrates Her Success". OkMzansi. Retrieved 2026-02-19.
  47. ↑ Phanyeko, Thombeka (2024-03-24). "Liema's fans react to her unexpected exit from Big Brother Mzansi S4". Glamour. Retrieved 2026-02-19.
  48. ↑ "Big Brother Mzansi contestant Liema shares plans for R250,000". Bona Magazine. 2024-03-28. Retrieved 2026-02-19.
  49. ↑ Magagula, Nompumelelo (2026-01-18). "Bravo B and Liema Pantsi's return fuel safety and redemption debate in Big Brother Mzansi". News24. Retrieved 2026-02-19.
  50. ↑ Seemela, Masego (2025-08-03). "Former Big Brother Mzansi star Liema wins big at the Basadi in Music Awards". Sowetan. Retrieved 2026-02-19.
  51. ↑ Sibiya, Sibongumenzi (2024-11-26). "Big Brother Mzansi star takes two at the Sasmas". Daily Sun. Retrieved 2026-02-19.
  52. ↑ Naidoo, Alicia (2026-03-29). "'Rigged from inside': Thandeka on Liema's 'Big Brother Mzansi' win". The South African. Retrieved 2026-04-09.
  53. ↑ Matiwane, Chumasande (2026-04-10). "Liema gears up for her BBM Qonce victory celebration". Bona Magazine. Retrieved 2026-04-10.
  54. ↑ Tlhoaele, Kgalalelo (2026-04-10). "Lieman's season of second chances!". Daily Sun. Retrieved 2026-04-10.
  55. ↑ Moroeng, Moroba (2026-03-11). "Somizi Mhlongo Accused of Neglecting His Daughter After Offering BBMzansi Star Liema Pantsi R2M". Briefly. Retrieved 2026-03-11.
  56. ↑ Makaveli, Deogratius (2026-03-11). "Somizi's Bold R2-Million Vow Sparks Social Media Firestorm". SA Varsity Newz. Retrieved 2026-03-11.
  57. ↑ Keteyi, Oluthando (2024-03-18). "Sol Phenduka calls 'Big Brother Mzansi' housemate Liema's decision to take the R250,000 a 'smart move'". IOL. Retrieved 2026-03-11.
  58. ↑ Gistlover, Rhoda (2024-03-19). "BBMzansi: Supporters of Liema drags her for choosing 250K Rands over 2 million winning prize". Gistlover. Retrieved 2026-03-11.
  59. ↑ Mamaila, Mzwandile (2024-03-25). "'I didn't choose to take the money' Liema mistakenly leaves BBMzansi". News24. Retrieved 2026-03-11.
  60. ↑ Kamko, Aphiwe (2026-01-29). "Big Brother Mzansi S6 eliminates Marcia 'Cia' due to social anxiety, while Liema & Thandeka clash". News24. Retrieved 2026-04-04.
  61. ↑ Komana, Itumeleng (2026-02-20). "From 'handbag' insults to 'lazy' Liema - 4 Big Brother Mzansi highlights". News24. Retrieved 2026-04-04.
  62. ↑ Sithathu, Nomathamsanqa (2026-03-27). "'It's rigged!' Thandeka Tshabalala's explosive reaction to Liema Pantsi's 'Big Brother Mzansi' win". Sunday Independent. Retrieved 2026-04-04.
  63. ↑ Seemela, Masego (2026-03-22). "Liema Pantsi claims 'Big Brother Mzansi' title in powerful redemption win". Sowetan. Retrieved 2026-04-04.
  64. ↑ Mdaka, Zintle (2024-11-26). "Liyema Pantsi dedicates SASMA win to supporters". Bona Magazine. Retrieved 2026-01-18.
  65. ↑ "4th annual South African Social Media Awards (SASMA) nominees announced". Bizcommunity. 2024-08-20. Retrieved 2026-01-18.
  66. ↑ Hlalane, Reabetswe (2025-08-18). ""These Awards Just Validated Me": Liema Pantsi Celebrates Her Success". OkMzansi. Retrieved 2026-01-18.
  67. ↑ Sibiya, Sibongumenzi (2025-08-08). "Two nights of sheer Basadi bliss!". Daily Sun. Retrieved 2026-01-18.
  68. ↑ Tleane, Lebo (2026-06-19). "Check Out the Full List of Basadi in Music Awards Nominees 2026". Youth Village. Retrieved 2026-06-24.
[edit]
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