Lebo M's New Engagement Sparks Buzz After Recent Split

Just days after ending his engagement to Malefu “Mel” Ntsala, Grammy award-winning composer Lebohang “Lebo” Morake has found love again, this time with American Tatiana Dixon, also known as Besso. The pair’s whirlwind romance is making headlines as they celebrate their engagement amidst the backdrop of Lebo's upcoming concert.

This Heritage Day, Lebo M is set to host the African Icons concert in Durban, paying tribute to the late founder of Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Joseph Shabalala. Dixon, who is based in Los Angeles, has flown in from the United States to support her fiancé during this significant event. The couple is currently enjoying a luxurious stay at a five-star beach hotel while Lebo promotes the concert.

An insider revealed to Sunday World that Lebo M proposed to Dixon almost immediately after he ended his engagement with Ntsala. “To say she is the cause of him breaking off the engagement would be undermining his intelligence. It all boils down to choice, and he chose Besso – she won,” the informant stated.

Lebo M's decision to part ways with Ntsala came just over three months ago, prompted by numerous red flags. “He thought he had made the right choice, but Mel was not living up to Lebo’s standards. He needed someone who really wanted to settle down. She was still going out until the early hours of the morning. Spending money recklessly; there was a lot,” the source explained.

The final straw reportedly occurred during The Dream and The Dreamer event in Rosebank, Johannesburg, last August, when Ntsala arrived significantly late. “You should have seen his face on the red carpet. It was not good. So, ultimately, love was there, but the values were unaligned,” the insider added.

In contrast, Dixon is described as calm and graceful. “She is in no rush and is just a chilled somebody,” the source remarked. It appears that Dixon had been in the picture for some time, having “lingered in the lobby” disguised as a business associate while Lebo made his decision.

A beauty and lifestyle influencer, Dixon recently showcased her stunning engagement ring, featuring a massive rock, in a social media video that received an outpouring of congratulatory messages from friends. “Every love story is beautiful, but ours is my favourite,” she captioned the post.

Despite the recent upheaval in his personal life, Lebo M remains optimistic about love. An insider revealed that back in April 2025, Dixon attended one of his concerts with Hans Zimmer in Cape Town at the Grand Arena, where they kept their relationship discreet. “She flew all the way, attended the concert and gala dinner, keeping things very low-key,” the source noted.

During a vacation in Cape Town, the couple enjoyed sightseeing and long, romantic drives up Devil’s Peak, strengthening their bond. They met through a mutual friend in the US and have maintained a long-distance relationship, with Dixon visiting South Africa several times since late 2023.

Lebo M’s publicity manager, Simphiwe Majola, responded to the engagement news, claiming that the relationship had begun as a business partnership. “The lady in question, Besso, is in fact Mr M’s business partner from Los Angeles, a creative powerhouse who has been working closely with him on upcoming international projects,” Majola stated.

She emphasised that the focus should be on the groundbreaking work Lebo M is doing to promote South African talent on global stages. “The real story of significance here is the groundbreaking work Mr M is doing, opening doors for South African talent on global stages, finalising new international co-productions, and cementing his legacy as a world-class creative entrepreneur,” she added.

This month has been a whirlwind for Lebo M, not just because of his engagement but also due to his decision to cut ties with a business associate who allegedly mismanaged R25 million from his business and personal accounts. He is currently seeking legal advice to resolve the matter.

Over the years, Lebo M has been married to Viveca Gipson, Nandi Ndlovu and Angela Ngani-Casara – twice. He was also once engaged to actress Zoe Mthiyane.

Just days after ending his engagement to Malefu “Mel” Ntsala, Grammy award-winning composer Lebohang “Lebo” Morake is newly engaged to American Tatiana Dixon, also known as Besso.

Lebo M shared his feelings on Instagram, saying: "The day we stop believing in love and possibilities is the day we stop dreaming.

As Lebo M navigates these significant changes in his personal and professional life, the music maestro's journey continues to capture public interest, with many eager to see how his story unfolds.

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