Leslie Jonathan Mampe Jr, better known to his fans as Da Les, is in stable condition following a stroke he suffered on Friday.
The family of the hip-hip artist took to social media to share the shocking news, saying that the incident happened at his home.
“Whilst he is in a stable condition, this remains a challenging time for his loved ones, and his family call on the public to keep him in their thoughts and prayers as they navigate this difficult period,” read the statement.
STATEMENT:
The family of rapper Da Les says he suffered a stroke on Friday, July 26th, and is currently hospitalised. #KgopoloReports pic.twitter.com/GMjMhW5hJA
— Kgopolo (@PhilMphela) July 28, 2024
The news saddened the local music industry. At age 39, many couldn’t comprehend how such a promising artist could suffer a stroke in the prime of their lives.
Wishing Da Les a speedy recovery 🙏🙏🙏
He is still young & has a lot to achieve in life 💖 pic.twitter.com/ueIwdFQaaD
— Maki Marish (@MakiMarish) July 28, 2024
The All Eyes On Me rapper had been active on social media running up to the incident. His last post was a retweet on X (formerly Twitter) on July 16, and he was due to appear at a Play Boy party in Sandton on Friday.
Haibo Lesley from the birthday invite to this. Get week my guy. We praying for your healing Da Les @2freshLES pic.twitter.com/FPRWG3vEgi
— Thanduxolo Jindela (@thanduxolojinde) July 28, 2024
While many fans shared their well wishes for the rapper, some took the conspiracy theory route and said the stroke was a side effect of taking the COVID-19 vaccine. The theory was shot down on X by his fans who condemned conspiracy theorists for making up nonsensical musings.
🚨May he get well soon!
Obviously, we ought to ask:
Did he take the Caviid 19 Jab? pic.twitter.com/VCncwhWzEx
— Muhammad ⛈️ (@muhammad_amiras) July 28, 2024
Da Les and the late rapper AKA’s friendship was well documented. The two often collaborated on music. Things appeared to turn sour between them in 2021 following an alleged fallout.
During an interview on BET’s Behind The Story, he shed some light on their fractured relationship: “People who know me, know I’m a non-confrontational guy, you know what I’m saying?
“So if I don’t get with your energy anymore I have to protect my energy first.
“So that’s where the relationship is right now, it’s putting my energy first, self-preservation first and I just keep it moving. All that ‘he said, she said’, I’m not with all of that.”
Words: Fame Frenzy