Music of Lesotho

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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.

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 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.^[1]

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.^[2] Lesotho gospel musicians are using their music to evangelize and support the brokenhearted.

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'.

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

• Joshua Pulumo Mohapeloa
• Mosotho Chakela
• Wiseman Molefe

• Morija Arts & Cultural Festival
• Lesotho Culture

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

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