Sheldon Rocha Leal, PhD
@sheldonrochaleal.bsky.social
Music Educator, Academic, Songwriter, Singer, Writer, Commentator
Finished listening to this amazing masterpiece by Brandi Carlile, her third studio album, and produced by the legend Rick Rubin. Beautiful combination of Folk, Rock and Country elements. Brandi’s voice is a real wonder and I really enjoyed listening to this.
February 15, 2026 at 4:17 PM
Finished listening to this amazing masterpiece by Brandi Carlile, her third studio album, and produced by the legend Rick Rubin. Beautiful combination of Folk, Rock and Country elements. Brandi’s voice is a real wonder and I really enjoyed listening to this.
In my “Moments That Changed Music” series I’ve investigated various cases including The Payola Scandal of 1959, Disco Demolition Night of 1979 and the Napster case of 1999. My new Medium article explores the Musicians’ Strikes of the 1940s. Hope you enjoy 😉
shelrochaleal.medium.com/moments-that...
shelrochaleal.medium.com/moments-that...
Moments That Changed Music V: 1940s Musicians’ Strikes
by Sheldon Rocha Leal
shelrochaleal.medium.com
February 15, 2026 at 7:12 AM
In my “Moments That Changed Music” series I’ve investigated various cases including The Payola Scandal of 1959, Disco Demolition Night of 1979 and the Napster case of 1999. My new Medium article explores the Musicians’ Strikes of the 1940s. Hope you enjoy 😉
shelrochaleal.medium.com/moments-that...
shelrochaleal.medium.com/moments-that...
Finished listening to this podcast about Patric Van Blerk on Benjy Mudie’s “From The Hip” podcast. Such an interesting listen and glimpse into the music business back in the 1970s, 80s and 90s. Well done Benjy Mudie 🙌🏽
open.spotify.com/episode/5S5v...
open.spotify.com/episode/5S5v...
Stoking the star-making machine with a music legend | Patric van Blerk
open.spotify.com
February 14, 2026 at 7:04 AM
Finished listening to this podcast about Patric Van Blerk on Benjy Mudie’s “From The Hip” podcast. Such an interesting listen and glimpse into the music business back in the 1970s, 80s and 90s. Well done Benjy Mudie 🙌🏽
open.spotify.com/episode/5S5v...
open.spotify.com/episode/5S5v...
Finished listening to this amazingly cinematic album from 1973 by the legendary composer Piero Umiliani for the movie “La Ragazza Fuori Strada”. The music is atmospheric and includes elements of Jazz, Funk and Rock. If you want something chilled, this is it.
February 9, 2026 at 5:57 PM
Finished listening to this amazingly cinematic album from 1973 by the legendary composer Piero Umiliani for the movie “La Ragazza Fuori Strada”. The music is atmospheric and includes elements of Jazz, Funk and Rock. If you want something chilled, this is it.
Finally watched the full Grammy ceremony, I thought I had missed it because I couldn’t find a broadcast here in SA. It was an amazing ceremony. My favourite performances were Lady Gaga, Pharrell Williams & Clipse, and Lauryn Hill. One of the best ceremonies ever.
youtu.be/dRNcdYn1s24?...
youtu.be/dRNcdYn1s24?...
The 68th Annual Grammy Awards (2026) | Full Main Event Highlights
YouTube video by JustDean
youtu.be
February 8, 2026 at 12:30 PM
Finally watched the full Grammy ceremony, I thought I had missed it because I couldn’t find a broadcast here in SA. It was an amazing ceremony. My favourite performances were Lady Gaga, Pharrell Williams & Clipse, and Lauryn Hill. One of the best ceremonies ever.
youtu.be/dRNcdYn1s24?...
youtu.be/dRNcdYn1s24?...
This morning, on “The Music Corner, hosted by Gugs Mhlungu on Radio 702, we reflected on the 40 year anniversary of Janet Jackson’s “Control” album and her legacy as a musical trailblazer. Here is the podcast, hope you enjoy 😉
omny.fm/shows/weeken...
omny.fm/shows/weeken...
Music Corner: Celebrating Janet Jacket’s 40th anniversary of Control - Weekend Breakfast with Gugs Mhlungu
Guest: Dr Sheldon Leal, Musicologist and Academic Registrar at the Academy of Sound Engineering,
Thank you for listening to a podcast from 702 Weekend Breakfast with Gugs Mhlungu.
Listen live on Pr...
omny.fm
February 8, 2026 at 12:15 PM
This morning, on “The Music Corner, hosted by Gugs Mhlungu on Radio 702, we reflected on the 40 year anniversary of Janet Jackson’s “Control” album and her legacy as a musical trailblazer. Here is the podcast, hope you enjoy 😉
omny.fm/shows/weeken...
omny.fm/shows/weeken...
This documentary about MaBrrr was shot in the 1990s. Although not the best documentary ever made, the storyline and telling was lacking, it was nice to look back at how South Africa looked back then. We never saw the full extent of this legend’s music power 😞
February 7, 2026 at 5:45 PM
This documentary about MaBrrr was shot in the 1990s. Although not the best documentary ever made, the storyline and telling was lacking, it was nice to look back at how South Africa looked back then. We never saw the full extent of this legend’s music power 😞
Reflecting on this week’s Grammy Awards on “The Point of View”, hosted by Phemelo Motene on KayaFm was a blast. It’s amazing to have South Africans flying the flag at this prestigious ceremony
iono.fm/e/1643106
iono.fm/e/1643106
Music feature: Spotlight on the Grammys
Musicologist Dr Sheldon Rocha Leal reflects on this year’s Grammy Awards, featuring standout tracks from Tyla (Push to Start), Kendrick Lamar (Luther) and Olivia Dean (Dive).
iono.fm
February 7, 2026 at 8:24 AM
Reflecting on this week’s Grammy Awards on “The Point of View”, hosted by Phemelo Motene on KayaFm was a blast. It’s amazing to have South Africans flying the flag at this prestigious ceremony
iono.fm/e/1643106
iono.fm/e/1643106
Recently watched this documentary movie about this fascist newscaster who tormented the victims of the Sandyhook shootings. Why is it that these guys never adhere to their own blerry rules and take accountability. They are like belligerent children.
January 31, 2026 at 6:44 PM
Recently watched this documentary movie about this fascist newscaster who tormented the victims of the Sandyhook shootings. Why is it that these guys never adhere to their own blerry rules and take accountability. They are like belligerent children.
I have become fully obsessed with this a-ha song from 2000. I was recently reintroduced to this song and I love the “demolition strings”, the Latin and Pop influences & the synth sounds. It could have been a Bond theme. This is my #PerformanceObsession of the moment
open.spotify.com/track/2hkO22...
open.spotify.com/track/2hkO22...
Summer Moved On
open.spotify.com
January 31, 2026 at 6:37 PM
I have become fully obsessed with this a-ha song from 2000. I was recently reintroduced to this song and I love the “demolition strings”, the Latin and Pop influences & the synth sounds. It could have been a Bond theme. This is my #PerformanceObsession of the moment
open.spotify.com/track/2hkO22...
open.spotify.com/track/2hkO22...
This past Thursday on “The Point Of View” hosted by Phemelo Motene on Kaya 959 we continued speaking about the role of Hip-Hop music and focused on some iconic Rap musicians, their stories and songs. Here’s the podcast, hope you enjoy 😉
iono.fm/e/1641013
iono.fm/e/1641013
Music Feature: The Global Impact of Hip Hop
Musicologist Dr Sheldon Rocha Leal continues his exploration of hip-hop’s far-reaching influence on sound, culture and identity across the globe. From the West Coast anthems of 2Pac and Snoop Dogg to ...
iono.fm
January 31, 2026 at 5:33 AM
This past Thursday on “The Point Of View” hosted by Phemelo Motene on Kaya 959 we continued speaking about the role of Hip-Hop music and focused on some iconic Rap musicians, their stories and songs. Here’s the podcast, hope you enjoy 😉
iono.fm/e/1641013
iono.fm/e/1641013
So to hear about the passing of Catherine O’Hara, aged 71, after a short illness. Thank you Moira for many amazingly hilarious moments. #RIP
January 30, 2026 at 8:02 PM
So to hear about the passing of Catherine O’Hara, aged 71, after a short illness. Thank you Moira for many amazingly hilarious moments. #RIP
With the Grammys coming up on Sunday I thought I would reflect on the artist that has won the most awards in one category in the history of the ceremony. Jimmy Sturr is his name and this is my Medium story. Hope you enjoy 😉
shelrochaleal.medium.com/the-grammy-c...
shelrochaleal.medium.com/the-grammy-c...
The Grammy Category That Created A King
by Sheldon Rocha Leal
shelrochaleal.medium.com
January 30, 2026 at 6:24 AM
With the Grammys coming up on Sunday I thought I would reflect on the artist that has won the most awards in one category in the history of the ceremony. Jimmy Sturr is his name and this is my Medium story. Hope you enjoy 😉
shelrochaleal.medium.com/the-grammy-c...
shelrochaleal.medium.com/the-grammy-c...
I love this band. The blend of Blues, Rock and Funk is perfect. This was a little more on the Blue Rock side, but one can hear where the band was going with this album. Not their best, but worth a listen.
January 25, 2026 at 6:54 PM
I love this band. The blend of Blues, Rock and Funk is perfect. This was a little more on the Blue Rock side, but one can hear where the band was going with this album. Not their best, but worth a listen.
This was a fascinating documentary movie about Donald Trump’s campaign for his second rise to the presidency. What blows my mind is the delusion and lack of accountability. 🤷🏻♂️
January 25, 2026 at 4:03 PM
This was a fascinating documentary movie about Donald Trump’s campaign for his second rise to the presidency. What blows my mind is the delusion and lack of accountability. 🤷🏻♂️
This morning on The Music Corner hosted by Gugs Mhlungu, on Radio 702, we spoke about the legacy of “21” by Adele and what a game changing album it was. Here is the podcast, hope you enjoy 😉
omny.fm/shows/weeken...
omny.fm/shows/weeken...
Music Corner: Adele’s 21 album tops all time female album sales - Weekend Breakfast with Gugs Mhlungu
Gugs Mhlungu chats to Dr Sheldon Leal, Musicologist and Academic Registrar at the Academy of Sound Engineering, debating the biggest-selling albums of all time. Following reports that Adele’s 21 has...
omny.fm
January 25, 2026 at 3:34 PM
This morning on The Music Corner hosted by Gugs Mhlungu, on Radio 702, we spoke about the legacy of “21” by Adele and what a game changing album it was. Here is the podcast, hope you enjoy 😉
omny.fm/shows/weeken...
omny.fm/shows/weeken...
Found this amazing documentary about the genre “Yacht Rock”, which emerged in the late 1970s, but was only named in the early 2000’s. Some of the key figures in the genre appear including David Paich, Steve Lukather, Christopher Cross and Michael McDonald.
January 24, 2026 at 5:48 PM
Found this amazing documentary about the genre “Yacht Rock”, which emerged in the late 1970s, but was only named in the early 2000’s. Some of the key figures in the genre appear including David Paich, Steve Lukather, Christopher Cross and Michael McDonald.
Recently finished listening to Sia’s 10th studio album “Reasonable Woman”. I thought it was excellent and filled with amazing collaborations with Chaka Khan, Kylie Minogue, Labrinth and Paris Hilton. This woman is off the charts talent 🙌🏽
January 24, 2026 at 5:43 PM
Recently finished listening to Sia’s 10th studio album “Reasonable Woman”. I thought it was excellent and filled with amazing collaborations with Chaka Khan, Kylie Minogue, Labrinth and Paris Hilton. This woman is off the charts talent 🙌🏽
Last night on “The Point of View” hosted by Phemelo Motene, on Kaya 959, we spoke about the legacy of DJ Jazzy Jeff, especially on Hip-Hop on the occasion of his 61st birthday. Here is the podcast. Hope you enjoy 😉
iono.fm/e/1637916
iono.fm/e/1637916
Music Feature: Hip-Hop’s global impact
Hip-Hop isn’t just music, it’s a global language. In this week’s Music Feature, musicologist Dr Sheldon Rocha Leal traces how Hip-Hop reshaped sound, culture, and influence across borders. From DJ Jaz...
iono.fm
January 23, 2026 at 4:16 PM
Last night on “The Point of View” hosted by Phemelo Motene, on Kaya 959, we spoke about the legacy of DJ Jazzy Jeff, especially on Hip-Hop on the occasion of his 61st birthday. Here is the podcast. Hope you enjoy 😉
iono.fm/e/1637916
iono.fm/e/1637916
Creatives have different educational needs which should be considered by a school. With talent like Adele, Amy Winehouse and RAYE, I’ve been fascinated by the what the BRIT School has been doing. Therefore, decided to write this article. Hope U enjoy 😉
shelrochaleal.medium.com/creative-sch...
shelrochaleal.medium.com/creative-sch...
Creative Schools: The BRIT School
by Sheldon Rocha Leal
shelrochaleal.medium.com
January 22, 2026 at 6:32 AM
Creatives have different educational needs which should be considered by a school. With talent like Adele, Amy Winehouse and RAYE, I’ve been fascinated by the what the BRIT School has been doing. Therefore, decided to write this article. Hope U enjoy 😉
shelrochaleal.medium.com/creative-sch...
shelrochaleal.medium.com/creative-sch...
RIP to an icon of the fashion industry Valentino Garavani who passed away today at the age of 93. The fashion legend built an empire an altered the way we think about clothing. #RIP and #ThanksForTheMomories
January 19, 2026 at 7:32 PM
RIP to an icon of the fashion industry Valentino Garavani who passed away today at the age of 93. The fashion legend built an empire an altered the way we think about clothing. #RIP and #ThanksForTheMomories
Just finished listening to this album “Pretty Idea” by Amber Mark. I love the retro R&B vibe of this album. Amber has such a unique voice and the production is on point. There are a few generic songs on her, but generally really good.
January 18, 2026 at 7:08 PM
Just finished listening to this album “Pretty Idea” by Amber Mark. I love the retro R&B vibe of this album. Amber has such a unique voice and the production is on point. There are a few generic songs on her, but generally really good.
Really enjoyed this documentary about St Peter, his grave and his relation to the Vatican City and specifically the St Peter’s Basilica.
January 18, 2026 at 6:57 PM
Really enjoyed this documentary about St Peter, his grave and his relation to the Vatican City and specifically the St Peter’s Basilica.
Last night on “The Point of View” hosted by Phemelo Motene on Kaya 959 we spoke about creative environments and how they nurture talent, specifically The BRIT School and some of their alumni. Here’s the podcast. Hope you enjoy 😉
iono.fm/e/1635595
iono.fm/e/1635595
Music Feature: Building artists, not just hits
What does it really take for artists to thrive? In this week’s music feature, musicologist Dr Sheldon Rocha Leal dives into the idea of building a creative ecosystem that truly supports artistic growt...
iono.fm
January 16, 2026 at 6:28 AM
Last night on “The Point of View” hosted by Phemelo Motene on Kaya 959 we spoke about creative environments and how they nurture talent, specifically The BRIT School and some of their alumni. Here’s the podcast. Hope you enjoy 😉
iono.fm/e/1635595
iono.fm/e/1635595
Although the visuals were very impressive the storytelling was boring, the acting was over-the-tip and the movie was about 2 hours too long. The thing I enjoyed most about the movie was the theme song. Miley Cyrus and Mark Ronson killed it.
January 14, 2026 at 6:32 PM
Although the visuals were very impressive the storytelling was boring, the acting was over-the-tip and the movie was about 2 hours too long. The thing I enjoyed most about the movie was the theme song. Miley Cyrus and Mark Ronson killed it.