Africa-Press – Lesotho. Musician Mpho Molikeng has released an Extended Play (EP) in honour of Lesotho’s late revolutionary poet Letsema Matšela, with his enthusiasm for Sesotho
language. The EP is titled Likhomo Matšela. Molikeng is a Lesotho born artist known for many talents. He is famous for playing African indigenous instruments, and also being a musician, poet, actor,
painter, storyteller, and cultural activist. He has always found ways to bring about new grounds, teaching the world about Basotho culture as well as its
beauty through his artistic capabilities. . The musician revealed to Informative Newspaper that he has always wanted to honour Matšela, to propose to the government that he is worthy
of recognition in the history of the cultural heritage of Basotho like other great leaders. “My desire is to see the road from Maseru to Leribe named after
Matšela, as well as the mohobelo ceremony named after him,” he highlight. He indicated that he took one of Letsema Matšela’s songs called Majoro, and infused some hip-hop beats to make it relatable to the youth.
He said as much as Matšela’s music has attracted adults, there is more from it for youth to learn. The song is currently titled Msoko Lara. Working on this EP, Molikeng explained that it was not easy, given the popularity of
the American and European pop music. “I spent most of my time listening to ntate Matšela, learning the roots as well as the beauty of the Sesotho language.
But nowadays Sesotho has lost its superiority, hence young people favour pop music,” clarified Molikeng. He informed that when Covid-19 forced a pause on the entertainment activities, he
found excess time to make consultations and learn further about this music. He concluded that Sesotho is one of the richest languages and his intentions are for the world to know and learn about Sesotho language as well as Basotho culture.
