Music of Lesotho

Lesotho is a Southern African nation surrounded entirely by South Africa. The largest ethnic group is the Basotho. The Basotho culture is immersed in musical traditions.

National anthem

The national anthem of Lesotho is "Lesotho Fatse La Bontata Rona". Written by François Coillard, a French missionary, it appears in the popular computer game "Sims 2: University" as the theme from a videogame console for the minigame "A-maz-ing Matey."

Traditional instruments

A mamokhorong

Traditional musical instruments include lekolulo, a kind of flute played by herding boys; setolo-tolo, resembling an extended jaw harp played by men using their mouth; and the women's stringed thomo. More recently the mamokhorong, sometimes known as the sekhankula, has also become popular.

Church music

Vocal choirs, which sing church music in Sesotho, are extremely popular. These choirs are formed in villages, towns, churches, etc., and can be heard on the radio every evening. The Gospel music of Lesotho is support by artists like justice Mofoleng and Joey Mofoleng his young brother. Lesotho gospel musicians are using their music to evangelize and support the brokenhearted.

Popular music

As an enclave of South Africa, it is not surprising that South African musicians have a large following in Lesotho. Most frequently heard on the radio are various sub-Saharan AfroPop styles, Sotho Hip-hop, RnB, Deep house, Soulful House, Dancehall, Jazz, kwaito, and reggae.

While South African music is generally enjoyed in Lesotho, there is a tremendous following for famo (contemporary Sesotho music, which features the accordion and oil can drum) such as that by Mosotho Chakela. The music recording industry is nascent, but many of the Basotho musicians sign with South African companies - undermining growth prospects. [1], Malome Vector, Ntate Stunna, Taiylor Manson and Juvy are well known musicians in the South African music Industry. Malome Vector is signed under a well known recording label 'Ambitiouz Entertainment'.

Music festival

• The Morija Arts & Cultural Festival is a prominent Sotho music festival, held annually, which highlights the dance and music of the Basotho people.

Famous BaSotho musicians

• Joshua Pulumo Mohapeloa
• Mosotho Chakela
• Wiseman Molefe

See also

• Morija Arts & Cultural Festival
• Lesotho Culture

External links

• Morija Arts & Cultural Festival
• Recordings of music from Lesotho recorded by Kevin Volans