MASERU- Lesotho’s music scene continues to evolve, and Omali Themba is at the forefront of this transformation with his debut EP, Likeleli- A project that blends personal storytelling, musical experimentation, and cultural preservation. Likeleli marks an important moment in Omali’s artistic journey and this is more than just a collection of songs, the EP is a deeply personal reflection on his upbringing, the impact of music on his life, and the kind of love he wished for his mother.
A NAME WITH A DEEP MEANING Omali Themba’s decision to name his EP Likeleli was no coincidence. It holds three significant meanings for him: it is his mother’s name, it represents the tears of joy he has shed as music reshaped his life, and it symbolizes the father figure he wished his mother had met. Having been raised by a single mother, Omali channels his personal experiences into the project, painting a vivid picture of love, resilience, and emotional transformation.
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A CREATIVE PROCESS FILLED WITH CHALLENGES AND GROWTH
Creating Likeleli was both a rewarding and demanding experience. Omali knew what he wanted to express- as he had a clear vision of themes and sounds that would shape the EP. However, unexpected setbacks, such as a studio crash forced him to re-record everything, making the process more complex and despite these challenges, the journey allowed him to be more personal and vulnerable in his music than ever before.
The selection of featured artists was also a crucial part of shaping the EP. “Collaborating with Atii Zee and Cityzen LS brought a fresh and diverse sound to the project. Their ability to maintain their uniqueness while embracing new sounds, reinforced my belief in ‘collaboration over competition’” Omali says. By working with the said artists, they were able to merge their different audiences and create something truly special
BALANCING ORIGINALITY WITH INDUSTRY’S NEW WAVE
As Ts’epe, a new wave of Sesotho Hip-Hop, gains momentum, Omali faced the challenge of staying true to his sound while incorporating elements of the genre. His goal was to avoid fully conforming to mainstream trends while still allowing some influence from Ts’epe in a way that complemented his artistic identity. He believes he has found the perfect balance- offering listeners something fresh yet authentic.
MESSAGES OF LOVE, TRUTH AND PATIENCE
Beyond the music, Likeleli carries powerful messages. Omali urges listeners to embrace their own stories rather than altering them to fit societal expectations as he also emphasizes the beauty of love, likening it to an art form that requires patience and practice in order to master. Additionally, he encourages fans to be open to new musical styles and to take their time in fully digesting his project rather than making snap judgements.
One of his biggest ambitions is to inspire
THE ROAD AHEAD: SINGLES, LIVE PERFORMANCES, AND AN ALBUM
With the success of Likeleli, Omali is already planning his next steps. He recently opened a studio with his brothers (Sotho Kidz), ensuring a steady stream of new music. His immediate focus will be on releasing single that will determine whether the time is right for an album. Fans can also expect more music videos and live performances, as Omali intends to bring his music to life on stage in a way that mirrors the live feel of his EP.
A PERSONAL AND WELL-RECEIVED DEBUT
Likeleli is not just a debut EP- it is a statement of who Omali Themba is as an artist. It allows fans to enjoy themselves by choosing multiple songs and choose their favorites, rather than waiting for occasional singles. Tracks like 'Mannyeo' stand out as deeply personal, showcasing his storytelling ability like never before while tracks like 'Sefako' showcase his diverse sound and penmanship, and 'Ke Shota Ka Uena' ft Origin Musiq and Morizo, showcase his new ability of adding the element of live music into this project.
“The reception has been overwhelmingly positive. Seeing fans singing along to the songs word for word on Tiktok just days after release reassured me I created something special.”, says Omali. Inspired by Sjava, he aimed to craft a project that has intentionality and depth, and he believes he has succeeded in shifting perspectives. To gain more perspective on the EP, Omali will be hosting a free listening session on the 1st of March at the
BUILDING A STRONG LOCAL FOUNDATION
While Omali has ambitions to take his music beyond Lesotho, his current priority is to solidify his presence at home. He wants Likeleli to be embraced and understood by Basotho before attempting to export it. For him, true sustainability in the industry starts with a strong local fan base.
With Likeleli, Omali Themba has not only shared his personal journey but also set a new standard for storytelling in Lesotho’s music scene. As he continues to grow, one thing is certain- his music is here to stay, and Likeleli is just the beginning of a much bigger movement.
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