Lesotho Music Blog, in association with LesMusic, has successfully held their maiden music awards – a collaboration between two brands strictly devoted to the country’s music industry.
The event took place at the Thaba-Bosiu Cultural Village on Saturday.
The winners were Morecay-General for Album of the Year, Pay- Cutaways Tape on Mix Tape of the Year, T.U.R.K-Blunt and Raps- EP of the year, DJ Switch, Uncle Krack & Mass Eko for Best International Feature, Shev Shengu for Best Producer, King Kris for Best Hustler of the year while Ismoke & Mj Elphy walked away the Best Duo & Group/Collaboration prize.
A’ko Ikhantše, Uncle Krack and Ntate Stunna scooped Song of the Year, Gear 5 Visuals picked Best Graphic Designer, ZBT- Khomo ea Koti Best Music Video, J-Cob, Jennie Kay Best Female, T.U.R.K Best Lyricist, Mura Best DJ, Adren the Kidd Best New Wave Comer, J Cob Hanyane Classic of the Decade and Lehana Khoboko Listener’s Choice.
The winners were selected based on the number of votes they got from a voting system through the LesMusic award website.
There were 17 categories, namely; Album of the Year, Mix Tape of the Year, EP of the year, Best International Feature, Best Male, Best Female, Best Duo & Group, Best Music Video, Best Graphic Designer, Best Hustler, Best Lyricist, Best Newcomer, Best DJ, Best Producer, Listener’s Choice and Song of the Year.
There were 126 nominees in all.
“The motive behind this gesture is for us to give back to the industry and appreciate all the hardworking talent our country has to offer even during the pandemic, empowering Basotho artistes and motivating them to do more,” says the founder of Lesotho Music Awards 2021, Malibe Rethabisitsoe Mahao.
“We allowed unlimited voting on the website so that people get to choose whoever they preferred to win,” said the founder.
He also said the attendance was fine, and that even though they did not sell all the tags, they managed to pull a decent crowd.
“Indeed, we encountered minor challenges, but we managed to pull through despite this being our first event. It is now going to be an annual event, so next year I plan to improve on time management and definitely work on getting more and better sponsors,” he says.
Speaking to one of the winners, Jennie Kay for Best Female Artist, said she feels motivated.
“I sometimes feel like quitting music but then moments like this tell me to keep going. Winning that award is nothing but a motivation to my art; all the females in that category deserved an award since they are all good and hardworking.
The event was really a success despite Covid-19. Our music industry can grow if we have people like Malibe who are willing to improve the industry and as artists we are grateful,” she said.
There were also live performances from Morena Sway and ’Mateng, hosted by B, Tlhox, Pee Dee and Keedoh.