Mohalenyane Phakela

GRAMMY award-nominated American Soul and RnB star, Syleena Johnson has promised music fans the show of lifetime when she makes her debut appearance in Lesotho on 24 December alongside a star-studded cast of local and African acts.

The singer, songwriter and actress is billed to perform at the 11^th edition of the annual Lesotho Tourism Festival (LETOFE) at Thaba Bosiu Cultural Village on Christmas Eve.

She will share the stage with local and continental heavyweights such as Tšepo Tšola, Mookho Moqhali and Nthakoana Ngatane (all Lesotho), Oliver Mtukudzi (Zimbabwe) and Mafikizolo (South Africa).

Syleena debuted on the music scene in 1995 when she collaborated with her father, Syl Johnson on the album This Time Together by Father and Daughter.

Her first solo project, Love Hangover followed four years later and earned a recording deal with Jive Records. She has nine albums to her name and a duet album with renowned American singer Musiq Souchild titled 9INE released in 2013.

Some of her biggest hits include I am Your Woman, A Boss, Perfectly Worthless and All Falls Down. Syleena has also garnered several nominations for the Grammy Awards, MTV Music Video Awards, BET Awards and Billboard Music Video Awards among others.

She won the Best Female Vocalist at the 2005 Chicago Music Awards, with her single Hypnotic also winning her a Truth Award the same year.

Syleena this week told the Weekender of her excitement “to be coming over to Lesotho as I had never heard of the country before the booking which makes me to greatly anticipate the performance”.

“However, no audience is totally new as we are the same people throughout the world and music lovers are everywhere. One just needs to appeal to their hearts which is doable because music is a universal language.

“I will perform my popular songs as well as introduce some new material whilst also doing some cool tributes. Overall, people can expect a very energetic and soulful performance,” Syleena said.

She said the fact that she had never performed with any African artistes made her look forward to “hearing and experiencing music from the South African culture and I would love to collaborate with an artist from a different culture”.

Such is her anticipation that on Tuesday, she posted on Facebook page, “LESOTHO!!! Get your tickets!”

Steve Kekana

Mohalenyane Phakela

LOVERS of old school music are in for treat when yesteryear  South African music greats descend on Maseru for the Waar Was Jy (loosely translated to mean ‘Where were you’) concert at the Victoria Hotel Poolside on 23 December.

Music legends Steve Kekana, Zizi Kongo, Condry Ziqubu, Jonnie Mokhali and CJB will headline the event hosted by entertainment group, Stone Sound which is aimed taking the old timers down memory lane while showing the younger generation how their forebears used to party during their halcyon years.

Kekana who is no stranger to the country wowed the townships in Apartheid-era South Africa with an eclectic mix of hits such as Shine On, Take Your Love And Keep It and collaborated with Sipho ‘Hotstix’ Mabuse on the mega dance anthem Burn Out.

Songstress Kongo is best known for the catchy Come Duze while Ziqubu’s biggest hit was Skorokoro.

CJB’s classic Tonight I Need Somebody remains a favourite on jukebox machines while Jonnie Mokhali is best known for the track Lerato la Batho ba babeli.

Stone Sound boss, DJ Counter Force this week told the Weekender that, “as much as older people prefer to always be working hard, they also need to refresh and if one looks at the entertainment scene they are left out of the circle”.

He said he had a good appreciation “of this music and I realised that it is the type of music that never goes of style”.

He said he had also gained experience in hosting such shows alongside his compatriots DJ Tseko and businessman Leuta Leuta under their company Lestoku.

“We have been hosting such shows as Lestoku during the winter months using an indoor venue which could not accommodate many people but this edition which came after strong requests will be an outdoor event to accommodate everyone”.

He said Kekana would continue to visit the country as he had several albums and is the most appreciated by the local market”.

Mohalenyane Phakela

THE owners of Gold View bar in Maseru believe their recent victory in the Braai Masters competition will boost patronage at the entertainment facility in the Khubetsoana area.

Gold View recently beat nine other outlets in the Maseru district in the competition sponsored by Maluti Mountain Brewery (MMB) to walk away with the top prize of 60 cases of Castle Lager beer at Maseru Club grounds.

Twisters Bar from Ha Matala came second and received 30 cases of Castle Lager while Salang Public Bar situated in Khubetsoana received 15 cases after finishing third.

Gold View representative, Matšeliso Lebitsa told the Weekender in an interview that “winning the competition will boost our clientele and everybody would want to braai meat at Gold View to taste and enjoy our secret ingredients”.

“We believe it was our secret spices and sauces which draw customers on daily basis which enabled us to win the competition.

“Those were the only things which were different from those of our competitors since everything else was supplied by MMB,” Lebitsa said.

She said they would use the prize to “promote the bar and butchery starting from tomorrow,” adding, “We cannot reveal how we are going to giving out the beer, all we can say is people should come through for surprises”.

The competition which was the first of its kind by MMB is set to become an annual event and will be rotated among the country’s ten districts.

It was held to promote the Castle Lager draught brand and patrons were given the opportunity to taste eat meat from four braai stations of their choice and vote for the best.

The patrons also received two free 500ml glasses of Castle Lager draught and thereafter could refill for M15. Each refill guaranteed automatic entry into various soccer competitions whose prizes included camping chairs, a braai utensils and sauces among other things.

The event was also spiced up by performances from local acts such as Jiji F, Juvy, T Mech, Skebz D, Drigger and DJ Lady Dee among others.

Dr Malinga

Mohalenyane Phakela

ALL roads lead to the RTC Events Centre in Berea this Saturday where an array of local and South African artistes are billed to perform at the RTC Summer Fest.

The 23 South African acts will share the stage with 15 local artistes in the inaugural event which entertainment company, Rock The City intend to stage on an annual basis.

Rock The City’s local representative, DJ Vesta this week told the Weekender that the South African company “intends to provide the best entertainment Lesotho has ever seen” as evidenced by its inaugural Boleswa Intervarsity Bash in March this year “which many said was the best”.

“Most local events are focused on reaping profits from the onset than investing in making their events become something that people can write home about,” DJ Vesta said, adding, “but if you look at our lineup and the price we are charging, it is evident that we are building RTC for we believe profits will come when we have proved we are the best”.

He said the South African contingent would be made up of Emtee, Fifi Cooper, A-Reece, Tuks Senganga, Prince Kaybee, Mpumi, Mobi Dixon, L Tido, SdutlaNoma1000, Dr Malinga, Sjava, DJ Micks, DJ SK, Maraza, Dr Moruti, Liquid DJ, Mono T, Nokwazi, Zihle Ngidi, DJ Mlungu, Inga, Trademark and Stone Candi while Lesotho would be represented by J Cob, Afro DJ, Mavele, Kot Infoerno, Juvy, Zagro DJs, DJ Boots, Notty Boy, Sir Nic, Box Fr3sh, Monyase DJ, DJ Kopper, KTA Kings, 3^rd Code and himself.

DJ Vesta also said they took local acts seriously hence their decision to allow them to charge their own performance fees rather than make offers to them.

He also said all their shows would be held at the RTC Events Centre near the Palace Hotel in order to give revelers a “different setting and vibe” while destroying the notion that the “town of Maseru should be the place where everything happens”.

“We have arranged with taxi operators on the Maseru to Maputsoe route to avail transport throughout the day and night of the show and charge only M15 from Maseru and Teyateyaneng,” he said.

Mohalenyane Phakela

LOCALLY-produced film, The Lost Cause is among 43 international films that will be screened to audiences at the 12^th edition of the annual Dieciminuti Film Festival (DFF) in Italy from 24 to 28 January next year.

The festival is structured into four sections, namely, the Official Section (for short films up to 10 minutes), Extra Large (for short films from 10 to 15 minutes length) Animations (animations up to 10 minutes) and Visti da Vicino (short films from the province of Frosinone).

The Lost Cause is the only African film and it will be screened in the Official Section along with 19 others from Europe, America and Asia.

It was produced by Lebohang Motlomelo, a fourth-year Broadcasting and Journalist student at Limkokwing University in Maseru. Motlomelo is also a member of a group, Universe Films.

The 4-minute film won the Best Student Film at the Lesotho Film Festival 2016 last month. It tells the story of a young man (Mosiuoa) who finds himself trapped in a world of pride, wickedness and evil after his brother (Ramonne) left him alone to join the liberation army in response to the capture of their father by the army.

Motlomelo this week told the Weekender that he was excited by the prospect of the international exposure the screening would afford him, saying, “The local film industry is still at its infancy therefore we need all the exposure we can get to take it to the global level”.

“I always search for international film platforms on the internet and this is one of those I tried my luck at and I was successful.

“I am still talking with the organisers about how it will work and so far I have learned that the winners will get the opportunity to enroll at their academy,” Motlomelo said, adding this would motivate him to produce more films.

Motlomelo however said he would require sponsorship to attend the festival as it was not clear whether the organisers would fund travel and accommodation costs to the event which can only be won by a director who will attend.

The Ha Abia-born Motlomelo’s also won the Best Student Film at the 2014 Lesotho Film Festival awards for his film, The Ghost.

DFF was founded in 2005 by IndieGesta, a cultural organisation based in Ceccano in central Italy. It is a festival for showcasing short films. In 2009 it created a film school, Dieciminuti Academy that is dedicated to training young people for a career in the world of cinema.

Mohalenyane Phakela

RENOWNED South African disc spinner and producer, DJ Christos and his protégé, Lady Sakhe are expected to light up downtown Maseru entertainment joint, Cuban Linx during their Expensive Music Experience show on Sunday.

The show kicks off at 2pm till late and DJ Christos, who is also known as South Africa’s Godfather of House, will share the stage with local acts such as TshepzaDJ, Agent K, Lady Dee and Davertz.

DJ Christos co-founded the popular Kalawa Jazmee Records which along with his own Katsaitis Music, launched the careers of some of the most recognisable South African artistes, including Boom Shaka, the late Lebo Mathosa, Shana, Daw and Black Coffee. DJ Christos also produces deep Afro-funk alongside Vinny Da Vinci as the ensemble, DJs At Work.

DJ Christos’s Katsaitis Music label has worked with top international labels, Real Tone Records (France) and GOGO Music (Germany) and it is one of major DJ agencies in South Africa, representing the likes of Black Coffee and Vinny Da Vinci, as well as European DJs like Ralf Gum, Franck Roger and Rocco. Christos has played with all these big guns, as well as the likes of Louie Vega, Frankie Knuckles, Mr V and Dennis Ferrer.

Lady Sakhe who is a deejay at the popular South African radio station, Metro FM is also signed to Katsaitis Music.

DJ Christos is no stranger to the local entertainment scene and he keeps coming back because house music aficionados never get enough of his deep house and soulful blending skills which play on for long hours.

Cuban Linx co-owner DJ Mekonko this week told the Weekender that he was looking forward to the performance by DJ Christos, one of his all-time favourite DJs “who always delivers”.

“I am currently pushing soulful house sessions which I host on Fridays alongside local deejays but this time I decided to feature Christos,” DJ Mekonko said.

“Christos is one of the people who inspire me. I first hosted him in 2011 and he has always left an impression even in shows that were organised by other people. Lady Sakhe is an upcoming artist under Christos’ stable who will be introducing herself behind the decks.

“The event is on Sunday because we want it to be a laid back type of setting on a day that most people will be on the Christmas break from work and school,” DJ Mekonko added.

Mohalenyane Phakela

THE second edition of the annual Keys To The City lifestyle event lived up to expectations by treating scores of revelers to an eclectic mix of funky house music and Hip Hop beats at the Mambo’s Restaurant in Maseru over the weekend.

The likes of DJ Capital, DJ Slique, DJ Dimples, PH, Shaxe and Venushka (all from South Africa) set Maseru ablaze alongside local acts Smooth, Dee Pee, NINE24, Trybz, Katz Lee, Hunky D and El’ Asla who also performed to a rapturous applause from the appreciative crowd.

Dee Pee and El’ Asla, who were the only female performers, brought the house down with their gripping renditions of popular club anthems.

Keys To The City is the brainchild of the quartet of Bokang Khoarai, Mabusetsa Sakhele, Hlony Mafereka and Mimi Setlaba aimed at catering for the savvy Hip Hop-loving youths.

And the revelers certainly demonstrated their appreciation by filling up the venue well before performances started, helping themselves to the flavoured beers that were served up as free, welcome drinks.

Held under the tagline “I got the keys to unlock the city” (echoing American DJ and Producer, DJ Khaled’s I Got The Keys hit), the party went on until the early hours of Sunday morning.

Mohalenyane Phakela

MASERU comes to a standstill on Saturday when the mother of all parties, the Vodacom Summa Feva 2016 edition rocks the capital at Setsoto Stadium.

A brainchild of mobile communications giant, Vodacom Lesotho, the annual event gives the company’s loyal customers as well as the general public the opportunity to experience live performances from their favourite local and international music acts.

From its humble beginnings in 2007 at the Maseru Club, the event has grown in leaps and bounds, becoming the most sought after event on the country’s entertainment calendar.

Having realised that an event of this magnitude could not be contained at a small venue and was crying out for a bigger stage, the organisers duly moved it to the Setsoto Stadium in 2014 and it has not looked back since.

Last year’s edition received rave reviews in the international media including coverage on Trace TV as well as South Africa’s Lesedi FM which hailed the event as one of Africa’s biggest festivals in Africa, filling to capacity the Setsoto Stadium with more than 20 000 revelers.

At this year’s edition, top notch performances are expected from some of the region’s finest artistes including the legendary Zimbabwean DJ Oskido, South Africans AKA, Bongz, Speedsta, Shimza, Major League, Dj Fortee, Emtee, A-Reece, DJ Merlon, Shaxe and Lerato Khanyago who will share the stage with several local acts such as Axomind, juvy, L-Tore, Afro DJ, Kot Inferno, Mapanaki, Box Fr3sh, TshepzaDJ, Hunky D, Tybzen and Smooth.  Vodacom Superstar 2016 winners Eunice, Thizozo, Reezy Ray and Step Up are all expected to light up the stage. Bloemfontein-based former PCFM’s presenter, Zipompe and Vodacom Superstar 2016 presenter Mr Kaofela who will be the MCs for the night.

Vodacom Lesotho Senior Marketing Specialist, Sekonyela Matamane this week told the Weekender that the festival always aims to provide the best entertainment each year while also exposing talented local acts.

“Every edition’s milestones set our patrons’ expectations higher and this makes it very important for us to prepare an enhanced delivery in every following edition. Booked acts include some of the concert year’s trending performers from Lesotho and beyond,” Matamane said, adding, “With the Vodacom Summa Feva and our other events, we always strive to expose what the country has to offer”.

Award-winning AKA has confirmed his participation with a video posted on Vodacom Lesotho’s Facebook page where he also encouraged fans to buy tickets in order to see him “in HD”.

Matamane also revealed that a compilation disc featuring Vodacom Superstars will be launched at the festival. The compilation features this year’s winners Eunice (Music), Reezy Ray (Female DJ) and Thizozo (Male DJ) with contributions from the  runner ups in various editions such as Motseki Le Lesiba, Ts’itso Chalatsi, Axomind, Skebza D, SirNic, KOT Inferno, Mothae, Khotso Thahane and Juvy.

He also explained that they had decided against allowing loaded cooler boxes into the venue on security grounds, adding that they had arranged a number of selling outlets for food and beverages which would be subsidised to make them affordable to revelers.

“Coolers can be used to conceal weapons underneath other contents.

“This (the ban of loaded cooler boxes) is also intended to make the entry process a smooth one with minimal searching effort. Prices for drinks will be at subsidised levels and also the variety of drinks will thrill many a good time lover. We have also prepared effective selling spots to avoid extended queues at the food and drink stalls,” Matamane said.

Mohalenyane Phakela

THE 2016 edition of the Vodacom Summa Feva lived up to its billing by drawing large crowds to witness top-notch performances from the local and South African artistes who wowed the audiences from Saturday until Sunday morning at Setsoto Stadium.

And while the non-appearance of South African superstar AKA was a talking point for most who were disappointed after the all the hype the artiste had generated through his Facebook posts, the crowd still got their money’s worth with top-drawer performances from other big name acts.

The appearance of South African Sphectecular and Naves surprised many and they may well have been a replacement for AKA given that they had not been on the festival promotional material like the other artistes that performed on the day. There were however, no surprises in his performance which left revelers asking for more.

There was the equally impressive duet of Emtee and A-Reece who lit up the early hours of Sunday, getting the crowd to sing along to hits like Couldn’t and Mgani.

A lasting impression of the 2016 edition was the sight of little DJ Baff who mersmerised the audience including the artistes with the kind of disc spinning skills that would be associated with old hands who have been in the industry for many years.

But the eight year-old oozed class and confidence blending the house tunes with a dexterity that belied his age. DJ Baff is surely the next big thing on the entertainment scene and as if to confirm the fact, many people including the South African celebrities queued up for selfies with the prodigy.

DJ Baff shared the stage with heavyweights such as DJ Shimza, Oskido, Shaxe Khumalo, DJ Merlon, Speedsta, Heavy K, DJ Fortee, Major League Emtee and A-Reece (all from South Africa). His Basotho counterparts included Vodacom Superstars 2016 winners DJ Thizozo, Step Up, Eunice and Reezy Ray alongside other local acts Juvy, Mapanaki, Tshepzadj, Hunky D, Afro DJ, Tybzen, Dee Pee, L-Tore, Monyase DJ, Smooth, Katz Lee, Kot Inferno and Box Fr3sh among others.

Shaxe and Shimza also thrilled the crowds with their beats and positive energy on stage. And it was a show where DJ Shaxe expressed his desire to become a regular feature.

“I have been in Lesotho a couple of times but I have never seen a festival like this one. This is my first time at such a big show and I would love to perform here every year and even if I am not on the lineup I will definitely come for this event,” he said.

The festival was also graced by other South African celebrities who simply showed up to enjoy the event including the actress Natasha Thahane (who became popular for her role in SABC 1’s Skeem Saam) and Lesotho-born Matli Mohapeloa.

The revelers’ mood was however dampened by the high price of alcohol (M25 a can) and this was despite prior assurances by the organisers that beverages and food would be subsidised for the show.

The sound quality also left a lot to be desired prompting some of the revelers to throw their cans onto the stage in protest.

The overzealous security details responded by beating people to restore order.

Mohalenyane Phakela

THE much hyped 12^th edition of the Lesotho Tourism Festival (LETOFE) lived up to expectations on Saturday as revellers were treated to an array of musical genres at Thaba-Bosiu Cultural Village.

A star-studded line-up of foreign artists, among them Zimbabwean jazz legend Oliver Mtukudzi, veteran South African crooner Ray Phiri as well as American singers Syleena Johnson and

Zimbabwean Jazz legend Oliver Mtukudzi

Monique Bingham had the massive crowd dancing the night away.

The locals did not disappoint either, with Puseletso “’M’e Mpuse” Seema and Tšepo Tšola bringing the house down, while journalist-cum musician Nthakoana Ngatane and Mystic Margin acquitted themselves well.

Most of the artists paid tribute to LETOFE chief organiser Montoeli ‘Moleli for ensuring the festival grew from strength to strength since its inaugural edition in 2006.

The annual festival is meant to promote tourism through music, and the main sponsor for this year’s edition was Standard Lesotho Bank.

One of the early performers was sultry Ghanaian jazz musician Zetina Mosia whose unique musical offering intrigued the crowd. In an interview with the Weekender after her performance, Mosia said she felt happy to perform before such an appreciative crowd.

“The way people responded to my music made me feel as if I was a regular performer in Lesotho. I hope to return as often as possible,” she said.

Famo exponent, Seema, also told this publication she was pleased with her performance since it had initially seemed unlikely she would be able to perform.

“I sprained my knee while preparing for this show, so I never thought I would be able to move around on stage,” she said.

“I was, however, determined not to let that hinder my performance and I am glad nobody noticed. All I received was a positive response from the crowd. I love LETOFE and would like to perform here for as long as I live.”

The festival was capped by a scintillating performance by South African Afro Pop duo Mafikizolo in the wee hours of Sunday.

LETOFE was once again the biggest party on the 2016 entertainment calendar alongside Vodacom Summa Feva a week before. Revellers reluctantly left the venue at around 4am, as they could not get enough of the performances.

Meanwhile, local jazz singer, Mookho Moqhali, cancelled her debut LETOFE appearance citing the organisers’ alleged unwillingness to pay her for the performance. However, efforts to contact the festival organisers for their comment were unsuccessful this week.

Mohalenyane Phakela

WITH only a few days before the end of 2016, a number of events have been lined up from today until Saturday as the festive season continues.

Thursday

The JumpOff

Hip Hop and apparel group, Black Affluence, will host an event dubbed The JumpOff at the Maseru Mall-based Barcelos restaurant. The JumpOff which will feature South African DJ PH alongside local DJs Trybz, Osmic, Smooth and Katz. The movement hosts two shows every year, one in winter and another in summer.

Friday

Golden View Camping

Back to the Woods in collaboration with RockView Gardens and Focus Creative Agency will host a camping event at Mohale Dam from tomorrow until Sunday. Attendees are expected to bring their own camping gear.

Saturday (New Year’s Eve)

Mpilo Hotel New Year’s Eve bash

Maseru West situated Mpilo Hotel has designed a special event which will usher them into 2017. There will be a special menu (buffet) for that day also including a live band entertaining patrons.

Second annual Chillout Session

Chillout Sessions is an annual social platform where Lesotho artists and revelers get together and enjoy the unique lifestyle that the Thetsane situated K-Ash Carwash and restaurant has to offer. With free entrance there will also be free internet (wifi) as well as free cocktails with games such as monopoly, chess, darts and X-box 360. Performances will include local acts such as Kislev, Kally Kome, Fikile, MIP and Snurd who will be launching his EP Anubis. DJs Edwin, Trybz, Echo, Lennox and Swiss T will also perform.

New Year’s Eve Pajama and Lingerie Party

A House and Hip Hop outdoor event will be held at Khali Hotel with revelers expected to be in their pajamas or sexy outdoor lingerie as well as slippers. L-Tore, Snurd, T-Mech, Sir Nic, Keith and Rippah-PH are expected to perform with DJs Venushka, Trybz, Boxfr3sh, Hunky D, Jackie, K-ZVLA and Boy Wonder expected to grace the event.

House Breakthrough

Teyateyaneng situated Provocateur Lounge will host a soulful House musical fiesta aimed at ushering patrons into 2017. DJs Mekonko, Oozy Soul, Trojan VDH, Thoxie, Kopper, DeepTaac, Pex Deluxe, Chachole, Godfrey, Dee, Reezy and Lohreit will serve the best of deep House music.

New Year’s Eve Twilight Resolution

Maseru downtown situated Cuban Linx will host a musical fiesta featuring both local and South African acts. DJ Zee, Adillah, Shane Eagle will share the stage with Lesotho’s very own NINE24, Deepe, Humky D, Koncept and Trybz.

Third annual Supporters Party

Dance outfit, Heartbreakers, will host a show at Kasi Lounge in Ha Abia as a token of appreciation for their fans. The event will be supported by performances from Kot Inferno, Sthola, Stlofa, Ms Fire, DBN, Lungsta, Mandee, Big Rock, Grayd Mind, 8^th Planet, Dee Tack, Koady Afro, Donny B, Dah Kay and Roachester with dance crews Step Up and Captain Movers gracing the event.

Kolour Burst

Newly-opened Kwa Lichaba Chesa Nyama Lounge in Naleli will host a 5k colours party where revelers will be sprayed with harmless food powdering colours (5k) every three hours from 3pm till the next morning. Each patron will be presented with two colour packages upon arrival to spray around. No firecrackers will be allowed in the venue for safety reasons.

Album launch

Local rapper, So Naam, will launch his EP in style at Ha Matala-based Twisters. He will be supported by performances from local acts such as Malekapore, Chino, Boka, Mercury23, Manyofi, Tiger, Error, Robocop, Omali Themba, Sbongile, Jay Pee and Ashley. Dancers Step Up, Spits Movers, Urban Slayers, Vain Glorious Dance Crew and Stoodie also expe

Joyous Celebration during a show in Durban

Staff Writer

GOSPEL music lovers are in for a treat when multi-award winning South African gospel choir Joyous Celebration visits the country for a show at the Setsoto Stadium in Maseru next month.

The show is set for the 25^th of February and although the official time is 7pm gates will open as early as 3pm.

Ticket prices range from M200 to M450 for the Gold podium.

The choir was formed in 1996, bringing to fruition a project that the trio of Lindelani Mkhize, Mthunzi Namba and Jabu Hlongwane had conceptualised two years earlier when South Africa attained multi-party democracy which brought to an end the minority white rule and racial repression of the country’s majority non-white population under the policy of Apartheid.

According to the choir’s website, the South African group “was going through a lot of changes and part of this process was a healing one”.

“The birth of Joyous Celebration was in this period, recognising a need of creating and establishing a project that would uplift and heal the nation while reflecting its inspirational transition as well as celebrating the talent that we have,” the website states.

“It seems just like yesterday when the concept of Joyous Celebration was birthed,” said one of the group’s founders, Namba, adding, “The year was 1994 when we decided we wanted to do a concert to give thanks to God for the new democracy that we achieved as South Africans.”

One of the stated aims of the choir was the “unearthing, developing and showcasing new and talented musicians, therefore providing them with a solid platform from which to launch their careers and putting them on what has arguably become the biggest stage for any artist in South Africa.”

True to that aim, the group has groomed artistes, changing members from time to time to offer aspiring musicians the platform and exposure. The choir currently has 35 members.

Lesotho would be familiar territory to some of the choir members who visited the country for performances as recently as November 2016.

The seven artistes from the popular choir, namely, Andiswa Mbantsa, Zofo Nhlanhla, Mercy Manqele, Xolly Mcwango, Ayanda Shange, Sbusiso Mthembu and Vuyelwa Oke headlined the inaugural Summer Gospel Festival at Lehakoe Recreation Centre in Maseru.

The group has released 20 albums to date.

Mavele and Vesta

Mohalenyane Phakela

RISING showbiz stars, Mavele (master of ceremonies) and DJ Vesta have lined food donations for various orphanages in the Maseru district.

The duo who have been making waves on the local and South African entertainment scene, indicated that they would make the donations at the end of this month.

Mavele this week told the Weekender that they had been moved by the overwhelming support they had received in their careers to give back to the vulnerable members of society.

“We believe we would not be where we are today had it not been for the support we have been getting from the people so as a token of appreciation, we intend to donate meals to the less fortunate,” Mavele said.

“We intend to reach out to different orphanages around Maseru and provide three meals (breakfast, lunch and supper) to the kids and we will consider those that we believe are struggling the most.

“This is not because we want to gain publicity through the children or because we have made a lot of money. We decided to use the little we have to make a positive impact on the needy.”

Mavele said they were open to any form of support in order to reach out to other districts and also motivate the vulnerable children.

“The children in orphanages have various talents but lack the platform to showcase these and we also hope that by sharing with them our experiences in the entertainment industry and the importance of chasing dreams, we could act as catalysts for them to pursue their goals.”

He said they also planned to host a charity event during winter for children living on the streets which would not only provide entertainment but motivate them to expose their talent in different areas.

Founder and leader of Kay Jay Talk Show Keketse Oriel Jonane falnked by two of his actors

Bereng Mpaki

A GROUP of youths who produced a short film exploring the challenges faced by women in the country have appealed to well-wishers for financial assistance for its distribution.

Titled The Ignored Stories, the short film spotlights the abuses many young women undergo in Lesotho, such as vulnerability to HIV/AIDS infection, human trafficking, gender-based violence and poverty among others.

The film was produced by Kay Jay Talk Show (KJTS) — a local non-profit project working with youths to instil life skills through their talents to adopt healthy behaviours.

KJTS founder and leader Keketso Oriel Jonase this week told the Lesotho Times the film was meant to raise awareness on the challenges to ensure meaningful action could be taken to address them.

He said the film tackles issues such as teenage pregnancy, forced marriage, illegal termination of pregnancy, contraction of serious illnesses and suicide among others.

“The film focuses on how young women suffer abuse on a daily basis in the country be it sexually, physically or otherwise. Yet there seems to be little in terms of laws and policies being done to address the problems,” he said.

“Our intention is to impart educational messages that can inspire the youths to know and stand for their rights so they can lead normal lives and reach the potential they would otherwise not reach.”

Jonase, who wrote, directed, starred and is currently working on the film’s post production editing, also hopes the message carried by the film will spur the authorities into taking concrete action towards addressing the plight of young women.

Produced with a threadbare budget, the film was shot in different locations around Maseru and parts of Mafeteng, Mohale’s Hoek and Quthing. The cast and crew consisted of 24 people including 12 actors, eight technical staff and extras.

However, Jonase said their final hurdle was distributing the short film to the target audience.

“The truth is it has not been an easy job putting together the film without a real budget since we are not employed,” he said.

“So we are appealing to any Good Samaritan to help us finance the publishing and distribution of the film to reach a wide audience in the country.”

One of the actors in the film, Senate Letsie (21), said the major challenge they faced in producing the film was recruiting actors. She said many people turned them down when they realized they would not be paid for acting.

Letsie plays the role of Nandi, a character who provides illegal abortion services.

Step Up (Dance)

Mohalenyane Phakela

VODACOM Superstar 2016 Dance Category winners, Step Up Dance Crew are set to host an entertainment fiesta on 28 January at Maseru Central Park to reward their fans for their loyal support.

Dubbed the Step Up Back to School Jamboree 2017, the event is the Sbujwa dancers’ first after they won the prestigious competition in October last year.

Group representative, Tšabalira Lesenyeho this week told the Weekender that the outfit had an obligation to fulfil a promise they made to give back to their fans “through an event, for helping us win the Vodacom Superstar competition”.

He said they would also conduct a raffle to give away various prizes including their branded merchandise and stationery.

“We aim at making an impact in the entertainment scene through various events and we are doing all we can to ensure that this show leaves a remarkable impression and makes us a sought after brand.

“Vodacom helped us move a step closer to our dreams through the exposure and prize money (M70 000) which enabled us to get our own sound system as well as foot bills for this upcoming event,” Lesenyeho said.

The event will be supported by dance outfits; Captain Movers, Heart Breakers, KTA Kings, Urban Slayers and black Ink, with rappers Kislev, Sthola, Kot Inferno and Shuffle44 while disc spinners Tybzen, Khebza, Gave, DJ DOB, DJ Maofane and DJ Nkasa will man the DJ booth. Radio personalities Mo Damane and Mr Words are expected to be the MCs.

Lesenyeho said they were planning a schools tour to conduct dancing lessons for students.

“We did several promotional tours while we were campaigning for votes during the Vodacom Superstar Competition which means most of the votes came from students.

“So the schools tour is a token of our appreciation for the support. We will teach different types of dance as well as motivate people to realise that dance can also be a career.”

He said dancing had helped them escape different challenges faced by youth as they had spent most of their time practicing and “therefore we wish to encourage students to take their talents seriously as that will also help them”.

Tsholo Motsie during the Military swag picnic in November last year

Mohalenyane Phakela

THE founder of the Diva Network Southern Africa, Tsholo Motsie has been accused of exploiting the women she employed for her Military Camp party which was held last November in Sehlabeng, Berea district.

The Diva Network was established in August 2016 with the stated aim of empowering women through various entrepreneurial and entertainment activities.

It adopted the slogan “enough is enough with the pull her down syndrome” and staged themed events that helped the network expand and attract members from Botswana and South Africa.

However, in an apparent violation of the network’s mandate, some of the women who participated in the Military Camp party told the Weekender that Motsie left them stranded in Sehlabeng after the show and has ignored frequent requests for payment since then.

“We worked very hard in promoting the Military Camp event and even up to midnight on some days. We were so committed as she had promised to pay us M5000 each,” said one woman who spoke to this publication on condition of anonymity.

“We never demanded contracts for we believed in the project and never thought Tsholo would rip us off for the aim was to kill the put her down syndrome as she would often say.

“Little did we know that things would turn out this sour. Problems started when we were left stranded in the middle of the night after the event we had to call-in favours from friends with cars or hitchhike,” the woman said, adding Tsholo would come up with excuses such as ill-health before completely ignoring them.

She said although there was no written agreement they were publicising the issue in the hope that “people would realise what kind of person she is”.

Screenshots of a WhatsApp conversation between Motsie and one of the women seen by the Weekender, appeared to show Motsie promising to pay the woman via a mobile money platform.

The conversations took place from 20 November to 9 December 2016 and it appears by that date Motsie had not made good on her promise as the woman continued to demand payment.

In addition, a statement by women calling themselves “former Divas” has been doing the rounds on WhatsApp, claiming that Motsie had reneged on the agreement to pay the women.

“The (Diva) Network was said to be about empowering women by creating jobs, instead Tsholo Motsie used her powers in a bad way when she called in young girls promising payment and other benefits in exchange for helping with promotion of the military affair.

“To this day Tsholo never paid a dime, she exploited these young talents and never once gave an explanation,” reads part of the statement.

“She stopped responding to calls and texts right after the military event took place. The girls were not the only victims, the photographer and everyone else who worked with her also got played. Her debts include orders from people who paid for merchandise she was selling before the event which she has not delivered to date.”

When the Weekender contacted Motsie for comment on Monday, she initially promised to respond in person after taking her child to the doctor but she did not show up. The following day, she demanded written questions which were sent to her email and she replied that a full statement would be issued as soon as her legal team had dealt with the matter.

“The Network is aware of a defaming and untruthful WhatsApp message in circulation. A formal statement will be released once the legal team has made a conclusion on how best we can remedy the situation,” Motsie wrote in her email.

Mohalenyane Phakela

POPULAR South African disc spinner-cum-Metro FM presenter, Lulo Café will be the main attraction at a music show set for 4Fordy Club in Khubetsoana, Maseru on Saturday.

The show has been organised by events management company, Groove Theory Ink (GTI) in partnership with Flying Fish.

According to GTI managing director, Mosebetsi Matšela, the event is aimed at kick-starting the year “on a high note through a massive party” where entrance will be free of charge for students at tertiary institutions.

Lulo Café will share the stage with local heavyweights such as Dallas T, Trojan, Spane, Phaks, Konsept, Shabba, Dave, Postah and King with rappers L-Tore, Sir Nic, Jiji F, Juvy and 2Digits. The House music deejay confirmed his attendance through a video on social media, promising “a big party kick-starting the new year”.

“4Fordy has mandated GTI to manage its events so we have set a 12 month plan of a series of events that people should look out for which include hosting the likes of Black Coffee and Babes Wodumo,” Matšela said, adding, “We operate seven days a week with themed events which include those aimed at promoting raw talent and live performances”.

“We are kick starting the year on high note by hosting Lulo Café. The event is free for tertiary students who present proof of identification before 10pm but those who arrive after that time will pay M40.

“Ordinary citizens will pay M40 before 10pm and M80 thereafter.

“There will be welcome drinks which include Flying Fish, Maluti and Castle as well as freebies which include caps and t-shirts.”

He said they would host a pre-party tomorrow night, free of charge with a limited stock of free drinks.

He also said the party would also be used as a platform to canvass support for local artiste Kommanda Obbs who is vying for a Metro FM Award.

“We are patriotic and feel Basotho should help our brother make the country proud,” he said.

Mohalenyane Phakela

DIVA Network Southern Africa founder, Tsholo Motsie has denied exploiting models who participated in her Military Camp party which was held last November in Sehlabeng, Berea district.

The Diva Network was established in August 2016 with the stated aim of empowering women through various entrepreneurial and entertainment activities.

It adopted the slogan “enough is enough with the pull her down syndrome” and staged themed events that helped the network expand and attract members from Botswana and South Africa.

However, in an alleged violation of the network’s mandate, some of the women who participated in the Military Camp party last week told the Weekender that Motsie left them stranded in Sehlabeng after the show and has ignored frequent requests for payment since then.

“We worked very hard in promoting the Military Camp event and even up to midnight on some days. We were so committed as she had promised to pay us M5000 each,” said one woman who spoke to this publication on condition of anonymity.

Screenshots of a WhatsApp conversation between Motsie and one of the women seen by the Weekender, appeared to show Motsie promising to pay the woman via a mobile money platform.

The conversations took place from 20 November to 9 December 2016 and it appears by that date Motsie had not made good on her promise as the woman continued to demand payment.

Motsie who last week, declined to comment saying that “the matter was in the hands of her lawyer,” this week said  she felt compelled to clear the air because the allegations had negative consequences for her professional and personal life.

She said there was never an agreement to pay the participants.

“When I first saw the text which was doing the rounds on WhatsApp accusing me of failing to pay people their dues, I sought legal advice as I did not see fit to play the dirty game with my accusers on social media,” Motsie told the Weekender, adding, she could have posted on social media to prove her innocence and “show that what was being painted of me was a lie”.

Motsie said the accusations defamed her and affected her family as well.

“I have a daughter in her teens, a husband who is a businessman and a mother-in-law who is a member of parliament as well as people who support the network as well as my businesses. They were all affected by the allegations which painted a picture of me as a crook.

“To protect those people and clear my name I felt I had to come forward to this publication and tell the truth.”

She said she worked with two groups of models in preparation for the event, and the first group did the promotional shoot in exchange for the entry tickets and stalls at the event where they could sell their own merchandise.

She said the second group was hired via a consultant to be part of the promotional event which took place three weeks before the actual event in November.

“I never dealt directly with any of the models who are accusing me of owing them the M5000 each. They were brought on board by their agent whom I discussed everything for onward transmission to them.

“Our agreement was that they help with the promotion only and that I would pay the 15 of them M150 each. However, they did not have the military regalia which they had to wear at the promotion which cost M350.

“We came to an agreement with their agent that I would buy them clothes, cover their transport expenses, offer them food and drinks during the promotion and also free tickets to the event in Sehlabeng.

“People should understand that it was a one day job and that there was no agreement about being liable to them for the actual show. There was no way I could promise them M5000 each for such a short working period.”

Motsie said “information was wrongly communicated to them by the agent for I never dealt directly with them but then I feel whoever felt they were wronged should have come forward to see me”.

She said her lawyer was handling the matter and would soon advise on the way forward.

Mohalenyane Phakela

AVANI Hotels Lesotho has teamed up with women’s empowerment movement, DIVA Network Southern Africa to spice up their annual Back2School Party which will be held at AVANI Maseru on Saturday.

Held under the tagline Back2School SWAGG with the Boys, the attendees, especially the ladies, are expected to wear their uniforms in a stylish manner by putting on colourful socks and Chuck Taylor’s All Star sneakers.

In a departure from the norm, this year’s edition will move away from the hotel’s convention centre to an outdoor setting by the poolside with local disc spinners DJ Tseko, Counter Force, Lady Dee and Linah serenading revelers.

AVANI Lesotho Hotels Sales and Marketing Manager, Mabahlakoana Motemekoane this week told the Weekender that the hotel always came up with innovations to make each event positively unique hence this year’s partnership with the DIVA Network.

“For every event, it is essential that the entertainment is varied so that it can stay relevant and that is what we always do with the Back2School show,” Motemekoane said.

She said it was only fitting to join forces with the DIVA Network upon realising they had earmarked events with similar concepts.

“We are bringing the fashion essence into the classic event and men should not feel left out since we have the DIVAs on board but they should see this as an opportunity to party with them,” she said, adding they were partying for a good cause as part of the proceeds would be donated to the Hlokomela Banana initiative aimed at providing vulnerable girls with sanitary towels countrywide.

She said there were lots of prizes for revelers including the best dressed “student”.

BASOTHO blankets are unique. They are a cultural symbol, the brand identity of a nation, but always a practical and useful garment. They are beautiful but are meant to be worn, not displayed.

They are fascinatingly woven into the history of the Basotho nation, and are a perfect example of a colonial legacy adopted and transformed with greater meaning, not least the historic relationship between Britain and Lesotho.

Legend has it that the first blanket was given to King Moshoeshoe I in 1860 by a trader, possibly a man called Howel. The king liked it and took to wearing it around his shoulders as a kaross. His subjects followed suit. Traders had been selling blankets across southern Africa much earlier, but Moshoeshoe’s adoption of one gave them royal approval.

When in 1867 Moshoeshoe asked the British for protection against the encroaching settlers, he described it as Queen Victoria “spreading her blanket” of protection over the Basotho nation. In 1868 the then Basutoland became a British protectorate (not a colony) and remained that for 98 years.

Hides and skins traditionally tanned and worn by the indigenous tribes of southern Africa became increasingly hard to find in the second half of the 19th century, and this was exacerbated by the rinderpest of the 1890s, which wiped out more than five million cattle and unknown numbers of wild animals south of the Zambezi alone. Blankets replaced the karosses, and, maybe because of their cold climate, the Basotho took to them like no other group.

A lovely myth has it that on a visit to Basutoland for her diamond jubilee in 1897 Queen Victoria presented King Lerotholi Letsie with a blanket. But in fact Victoria never set foot in Africa or any of her many colonies: by 1897 the old queen would or could not even get out of her carriage for the jubilee service at St Paul’s in London.

But Victoria’s diamond jubilee that year did mark the release of the “Victoria England” brand of the blankets, which became hugely popular and remains so to this day. Before he adopted the blanket Moshoeshoe wore ceremonial leopard skins, which is why one of the first designs in the Victoria England range was the “Skin”.

Early traders also gave or sold blankets to workers, including Basotho, in Kimberley after the diamond rush. The Fraser brothers Donald and Douglas, sons of a wool merchant in Ipswich in England, set up a store in Liphiring in Basutoland in 1877 to trade in blankets and other goods. By 1899 they had 12 stores and Frasers Ltd became part of the country’s history.

The first blankets were manufactured by Wormald and Walker blanket mills in Yorkshire and exported to Frasers and other traders. When that company folded, production was taken over by AW Hainsworth, which still holds the rights to the Victoria England brand.

AW Hainsworth also made the Hudson’s Bay point blanket for the Hudson’s Bay Company trading in Canada and the US. That blanket became identified with the Navaho Indians, but perhaps not as closely as the Basotho blanket is with Lesotho.

The point blanket (named for short stripes which indicated the size while folded) had large stripes on a white background, but in Basotho blankets the accepted explanation of the vertical 1cm “pinstripes”, which became an essential part of every design, was that they started with a weaving error and people liked it.

Since the early 1990s, after Frasers was bought out, the blankets have been made in Randfontein by Aranda Textiles. Marketing and sales director Tom Kritzinger started his career with Frasers. Like his father, who sold them, he is an expert on Basotho blankets. He points out that the Victoria England brand is one of the oldest in the world, of the same vintage as Coca-Cola.

Aranda owns what is now the most sought-after brand, Seanamarena. It was introduced by Charles Henry Robertson, the owner of a trading store in the Leribe district, in the early 1930s. Kritzinger says the most popular design in the brand is known as the Chromatic, derived from Robertson’s initials CHR.

Kritzinger appreciates the importance of the blankets in Basotho culture: “Blankets are pivotal in their lives. Kobo ke bophelo, the blanket is life. Nothing is more beautiful. The Basotho people are preoccupied with blankets, from birth right through to death every phase is marked by blankets. The baby is received in a blanket, when they go through initiation after puberty there are blankets; when she gets married, the bride is wrapped in blankets and given to the groom.

“Blanket gifts are exchanged between the groom and the bride’s family. When a woman is pregnant she cuddles herself into a blanket, symbolising the life that has formed.

“Blankets are used to cover traditional beer. They are interwoven into the fabric of society, and the Basotho are blanket people to the bone.”

Kritzinger says although the Basotho blanket originated in England, “over the years it became a tradition that evolved and the Basotho made it unique, that’s the beauty of it”.

“How they became preoccupied with it and the meaning they have given to it is, for me, the beauty of that culture.”

Basotho blankets have a number of links to World War 2.

Aranda produces a limited edition of the “Badges of the Brave” blanket, known as the NZ design, which depicts British empire regimental badges from the war, including one with the letters NZ. This has come to be regarded as short for Nazareth, giving it a Christian connotation.

Sometime during or after the war the Spitfire blanket was introduced. The people of Basutoland had collected enough money to pay for 25 Spitfire fighters for the Royal Air Force and they flew as the “Basutoland squadron” in the Battle of Britain. Last year Aranda issued a special limited edition of the Spitfire blanket (pictured above) to commemorate this and Lesotho’s 50th anniversary of independence.

Towards the end of the war a textile factory in the Tuscan town of Prato was blown up by Nazi forces as they retreated. The town was liberated by, among others, South African troops under the command of Colonel Arthur Aiken, who persuaded the owners of the textile mill – three brothers – to start again in South Africa. Rodolfo, Giulio and Alberto Magni arrived in 1951 and started Aranda. The mill, still owned by the family, now covers an area equal to 11 football fields and employs more than 700 people.

The Victoria England brand is the only one still owned by AW Hainsworth in the UK, and Aranda has a royalty agreement to manufacture them in South Africa. All the rest were created and owned by Aranda, such as Motlatsi Khosana, created in honour of the birth of Crown Prince Lerotholi Seeiso in 2007. The Kharetsa brand features the spiral aloe only found in the Maluti mountains of Lesotho. Another brand was created in memory of the late Queen Mamohato Bereng Seeiso.

“In the days when I was still with Frasers the late King Moshoeshoe II once called me to the palace in Maseru and expressed his concern that his people were becoming too Westernised,” Kritzinger says.

“He gave me some old design ideas, which Queen Mamohato only made popular after his death. There’s the Malakabe, using one of the old designs which features flames, and we revived it.”

Any new designs introduced have to first have the approval of the Basotho royal family.

Royalties earned from the sale of Victoria England brand blankets are not sent to England but are managed by Aranda purely for the promotion of the brand and to support charities; for example the company has installed or revived 50 “play pumps” at rural schools in Lesotho. These pumps are integrated with playground equipment so that when the children play they also pump water.

“Where some of the pumps fell into disrepair, the schools closed down,” Kritzinger says. “We pay rent for advertising boards on the pumps, and that pays for their revival and maintenance.”

The blankets are also moving with the times, and are promoted to young people through the royal fashion fair ever year in Lesotho.

“People like Louis Vuitton have looked at them and been inspired,” Kritzinger says. “[Fashion designer] Thabo Makhetha in Port Elizabeth has done beautiful work, dresses, capes or jackets, and Unknown Union based in Cape Town has been granted the right to create clothing using the actual blankets. This is a modernisation by younger people who still recognise the beauty of the blankets but want to turn it into a fashion article, and I don’t think it’s wrong.”

At 155cm x 165cm, the blankets are too small to be used as a bed blanket, they are made to be worn. Many people use them as rugs. At 90% wool, they are of the highest quality.

Thanks to the Africa Growth and Opportunity Act trade agreement with the US, Basotho blankets are now being exported and sold there with duty-free status. Some are even sold back to Britain.

Blanket brands that defined a culture

Victoria England

The first Basotho blanket brand. It dates to 1897, one of the oldest trademarks around. The Basotho refer to the Victoria England as Lefitori. The collection includes Badges of the Brave, Crest, Crown, Spitfire, Malekable (flame), Skin (the traditional leopard skin) and Pelo ea Morena (heart of the king). Badges of the Brave pays tribute to regiments from the British empire and the Basotho soldiers who served in World War 2.

Seanamarena

The crown jewel of Basotho blankets, these date to the 1930s and a store in Leribe. Seanamarena means “to swear by the chiefs”. They include Chromatic and Poone, which depicts a maize cob.

Motlatsi

Created to honour the birth of Crown Prince Lerotholi in 2007. The design displays an elaborate collection of hearts on a houndstooth background. The heart symbolises the love, respect and loyalty that the Basotho nation has for its monarchy. Motlatsi means “successor”.

Matlama

Less traditional, this features a striking border pattern with a plain reversible centre. Traditionally the fringed version is worn by women during the wedding ceremony. The bound version is worn by men.

Kharetsa

This design (pictured below) is named after the spiral aloe which is only found in the Maluti mountains. The aloe is featured prominently in the centre of the blanket and is surrounded by the iconic Basotho hat and Basotho shield.

Sandringham

Named for a home of Britain’s queen. Also known as Mohodu after the Sotho word for the inside of an animal’s stomach, which it apparently resembles.

Lingoetsi

The older Motlotlehi wedding blanket no longer exists, and was replaced by the Lingoetsi as a bride’s blanket. — Timeslive