Gospel music in Lesotho

Leading gospel acts in Lesotho

Most of Lesotho’s leading gospel groups are church-based, and they include the esteemed Macecilia A St Paul[1], which belongs to a Roman Catholic denomination based in the northern part of Lesotho. The choir comprises men and women who are members of a church organisation named Saint Cecilia, and they paved the way for Macecilia A Maria Mabasotho, another choir based at a mission in Ha-Mabote in Berea District. These two groups have enjoyed the lion’s share of traditional gospel listenership in Lesotho.

Two other renowned gospel artists from northern Lesotho are Justice Mofoleng[2] and his younger brother Joey Mofoleng, a lead singer with well-known South African gospel group Spirit of Praise. Joey Mofoleng has established himself in South Africa[3] and is celebrated for songs like 'Kea Mo Rata Jeso', which features devotional lyrics with famo musical influences.

Over the years, a capella music has formed an integral part of the gospel music genre in Lesotho. Formed in 2009, Acappella Moment is one of the country’s leading local vocal groups. The group comprises eight male members whose music is a blend of church hymns and original rhythmic elaborations[4].

Other gospel acts who have received airplay in Lesotho in recent years include Paul Lewake, Khahliso Mphephuka, Francis Ntlhoki, Ngateng Molupe, Lele Khesuoe, Yadah Praise Family, Majara and Tehillah Africa, a choir that works with leading local producer Salem Nikelo[5]. Tsepo Kherenchane, Katleho Moshe and Makoanyane Ntlama have, meanwhile, gained a large following from support bases within faith churches[6].  

Artists such as the late Abiele Hatlane[7] have also ventured into other genres in a bid to boost their popularity, and there has been an emergence of Maseru-based hip hop/gospel musicians such as Disciples, Painkiller and Trer, who have capitalised on Lesotho’s vibrant hip hop scene to grow the gospel listenership among younger demographics[8].

Finally, although the gospel music industry in Lesotho has been traditionally dominated by males, gospel songstresses have also enjoyed increased success in recent times. Mookho Moqhali, whose album Leseli Laka is infused with elements of jazz, is one of Lesotho’s favorite gospel artists[9], while singers Palesa Motlomelo and Lintle Ramatla have emerged as popular radio personalities[10].

Clap and tap

Another notable development in the Lesotho gospel music industry has been the resurgence of traditional ‘clap and tap’ music in recent years, as exemplified by the growing popularity of groups such as Lerato la Bolumeli and Seliba sa Bophelo.

Ben Mosala, a reverend and an entertainment industry executive, has led the initiative to bring this rich tradition back into the realm of popular music, organising festivals and events that have been filmed and screened on South African TV stations[11]. Many of these performances have featured local groups in collaboration with South African choir Barorisi ba Morena, a pioneer of the clap and tap genre[12].

Challenges facing gospel artists in Lesotho

Gospel artists in Lesotho face a number of challenges when it comes to turning a profit from their music. For starters, recording costs are high and although recording music in Lesotho is generally cheaper, and there have been great strides in the quality of local production, many of Lesotho’s gospel artists still opt to record in South Africa, where the cost of a full album can exceed R35 000 ($2 500)[13].

And while gospel music in Lesotho is popularised by local Christian radio stations and TV programmes such as Sejo Sa Moea, the lack of a system to manage royalty payments – not to mention effective means to combat piracy – means that this exposure does not necessarily translate to financial gain for artists[14]. 

According to prominent Lesotho gospel artist Khahliso Mphephoka, the absence of affordable recording facilities, royalty payments and formal distribution networks in Lesotho have forced many gospel artists to the streets, where they sing for crowds of people who buy music directly from them or donate money for their performances. Mphephoka says this is a better option than taking his albums to music stores, where he believes they will be duplicated and sold illegally in South Africa as originals[15].

Another complaint that Mphephoka and other local artists share is that South African gospel musicians regularly receive preferential treatment in Lesotho. Not only do artists from Lesotho generally get paid less for appearances at shows that feature South African artists – with the narrative that they are receiving compensation in the form of promotion or exposure – but most music stores in Lesotho are fully stocked with South African gospel music, while usually displaying less than 10 local artists on the shelves[16].

Where things stand

With many exciting new acts on the scene, as well as the revitalisation of traditional sounds, there is cause for optimism within the Lesotho gospel music industry. However, persistent challenges, most notably the lack of royalty payments and effective means to enforce copyright laws in the country, often result in artists struggling to make money from their music, even when it is popularly received.

Resources and citations:

• [1] http://gatewaynews.co.za/sabc-crown-gospel-music-awards-nominees-announc...
• [2] https://www.pressreader.com/south-africa/afro-voice-free-state/20150317/283283161160245 
• [3] https://www.platinumweekly.co.za/article.php?id=1479&categoryID=5
• [4] http://sundayexpress.co.ls/a-cappella-moment-promises-musical-feast/
• [5], [13] & [14] http://sundayexpress.co.ls/salem-producer-with-a-midas-touch/
• [6] http://www.lestimes.com/harvest-fm-turns-eight/
• [7] https://www.thepost.co.ls/news/hatlane-memories-live-on/
• [8] http://www.lestimes.com/maseru-set-for-night-of-poetry-and-music/
• [9] https://www.pressreader.com/lesotho/sunday-express9f83/20160221/28168113...
• [10] http://sundayexpress.co.ls/variety-show-for-a-worthy-cause/
• [11] http://www.lestimes.com/clap-and-tap-concert-to-put-lesotho-on-the-map/
• [12] https://sundayexpress.co.ls/clap-n’-tap-group-set-for-maseru/
• [15] Author interview with Khahliso Mphephoka
• [16] ibid.

Disclaimer: Music In Africa's Overviews provide broad information about the music scenes in African countries. Music In Africa understands that the information in some of these texts could become outdated with time. If you would like to provide updated information or corrections to any of our Overview texts, please contact us at info@musicinafrica.net.

Editing by David Cornwell