Rouge (born Deko Barbara-Jessica Wedi on 13 September 1992) is a Congolese-South African rapper, songwriter, and actress. She gained widespread recognition for her role as Darlene Myrie on the e.tv soapie Scandal!.

Originally from Pretoria, she has built a reputation as one of South Africa’s most influential female artists. Furthermore, she embraced the Mabaleka surname after her marriage, marking a new chapter in her personal life.

Biography of Rouge

Early Childhood

Rouge, born Deko Barbara-Jessica Wedi on 13 September 1992, grew up in Pretoria, South Africa. Both of her parents are Congolese; therefore, they encouraged her creativity from a young age. Consequently, she developed a love for music, culture, and artistic expression.

Moreover, her Congolese heritage shaped her style and perspective. Her parents shared stories and cultural traditions. As a result, Rouge developed a unique voice that set her apart from her peers.

By her teenage years, she began exploring music and performance. Thereafter, she experimented with songwriting and stage presence. By 2026, she is turning 34 years old, and thus continues to build on the passion and talent she developed in her early years.

Education

Deko Barbara-Jessica Wedi attended primary and secondary school in Pretoria during the late 1990s and 2000s. Furthermore, she excelled in creative subjects and developed a strong interest in drama and performance. Consequently, she decided to pursue higher education in the arts to build her skills.

She later enrolled at the University of Pretoria around 2010 and studied Drama and Film. Moreover, Deko Barbara-Jessica Wedi’s time at university allowed her to connect with other aspiring artists. As a result, she gained the confidence and foundation needed to pursue a career in both music and acting.

Related posts:

• 12 Things You Need to Know About Azana: South Africa’s Rising Afro-Pop Star
• Danny de Bruyne Biography: From Late Bloomer to Scandal! Star

Personal Life

Deko Barbara-Jessica Wedi, professionally known as Rouge, has always valued her family and cultural roots. Both of her parents are Congolese, and they shaped her creativity and work ethic from a young age. Furthermore, she often shares glimpses of her heritage and family life on social media.

In December 2023, Deko Barbara-Jessica Wedi married Macmillan “Ginger Mac” Mabaleka. As a result, she is now publicly associated with the Mabaleka surname, marking a new chapter in her personal life. Moreover, she continues to focus on her career while balancing personal milestones.

Is She Really from Congo?

Rouge was born in Pretoria, South Africa, and therefore she is South African by birth. However, both of her parents are Congolese. Consequently, she proudly identifies with her Congolese heritage. Moreover, she often incorporates her family’s culture and traditions into her music and public persona. As a result, she is widely recognized as Congolese-South African, celebrating both her birthplace and her roots.

Related posts:

• Who is Nozi Langa? Age, Height, Net Worth, Glenda on Skeem Saam & Personal Life
• 12 Things You Need to Know About Azana: South Africa’s Rising Afro-Pop Star

Can She Speak French?

Deko Barbara-Jessica Wedi, known professionally as Rouge, grew up in a Congolese household where French is widely spoken. Consequently, she learned the language from a young age.

Moreover, her exposure to French culture through her family helped her develop fluency. As a result, Deko Barbara-Jessica Wedi can comfortably speak and understand French, which occasionally influences her music and interviews.

Career

Rouge began her music career in the early 2010s, releasing her first singles around 2012–2013. Furthermore, she quickly gained recognition for her sharp lyricism and energetic performances. As a result, she became one of South Africa’s leading female rappers.

By 2015, she had collaborated with several well-known South African artists, which further boosted her profile. Moreover, she consistently released new music, building a loyal fanbase and solidifying her position in the hip hop scene.

In addition to music, Rouge expanded into acting. She joined the cast of e.tv’s Scandal! in 2026, playing Darlene Myrie. Consequently, she introduced herself to a wider television audience while demonstrating her versatility as a performer. Overall, her career spans both music and acting, showing her growth and adaptability in South Africa’s entertainment industry.

Related posts:

• Who is Nozi Langa? Age, Height, Net Worth, Glenda on Skeem Saam & Personal Life
• Why A Starsat Return Is Impossible: The Irreversible Rise and Fall Of Starsat/TopTV

How Did She Get the Role of Darlene on Scandal!

Rouge auditioned for Scandal! in early 2026 after her music career had gained significant attention. Furthermore, her performance skills and stage presence impressed the casting team immediately.

As a result, she landed the role of Darlene Myrie, marking her first major acting role on national television. Moreover, she prepared for the role by studying the character and practicing acting techniques, which allowed her to bring authenticity and depth to Darlene from the start.

Net Worth

Rouge has built her career through music, acting, and public appearances. Consequently, her estimated net worth in 2026 is around $200,000–$350,000 USD (~R3.8–R6.6 million ZAR).

Furthermore, she continues to grow her earnings through streaming, performances, and collaborations. As a result, she remains one of South Africa’s most successful young female artists.

Social Media

Rouge actively engages with her fans on social media. In addition, she regularly shares updates about her music, acting projects, and personal life.

Her main platform is Instagram @rouge_sa, where she interacts with followers and promotes her work. Consequently, she has built a strong online presence that complements her career in entertainment.