Melodscape

Maseru- The 4th Annual Lesotho Music Awards (LMAs) lit up the cultural calendar with an unforgettable celebration of Basotho music. Held on the 29th November 2024, at the prestigious Victory Hall in Maseru, the event whose red carpet was hosted by Patrick Mots’oene and Lerato Chaoana brought together the crème de la crème of Lesotho’s music industry, supporters and dignitaries for a night of glamour, triumph and electrifying performances.

Honoring The Best In Basotho Music The best night in music which featured the vibrant April Mahase and Chris Theko as the Masters of Ceremony (MCs) was dedicated to honoring local musicians across a variety of genres, showcasing the breadth and diversity of Lesotho’s music scene. This year, the event featured 12 categories; Artist Of The Year, Song Of The Year, Best Male Artist, Best Female Artist, Best Newcomer, Best Producer, Best House Producer, Best Famo Act, Best Collaboration/Duo, Lifetime Achievement Award, Best Gospel Singer & Music Project Of The Year.

Ad

The Big Winners Of The Night

The evening saw several artists take home coveted awards. Sannere, the celebrated rapper and songwriter took home the “Artist Of The Year” and “Song Of The Year” awards for his hit track “Ha Le Felile U Njoetse” while a rising star, Atii Zee, was crowned “Best Newcomer” signaling the arrival of fresh talent in the music industry.

April Mahase, who was the night’s MC added to her multi-talents as she took home the “Best Female Artist” while T.U.R.K, the rapper took home “Music Project Of The Year (MPOTY)” leaving fans and critics in awe of his marvelous wordplay and consistent artistry.

A Star-Studded Affair

The event was graced by the presence of prominent figures including Her Royal Highness, Princess Senate Seeiso and the Honorable Minister of Gender, Youth, Sports, Arts, Culture And Social Development, Hon. Pitso Lesaoana. The attendance of celebrated artists like Sannere, Phoka Ea Boroa, Flash Cortez and SirSchaba to mention a few, as well as event influencers and curators such as Daeman, Lerato Mosamane (Serly), Neo Moloi (Ne_Oh) among others is what made the event a star-studded event.

The presence of Drizz Media, KM Creatives, Queentingz, Daeman and The Jump Podcast also helped the award ceremony with content from the night seen from different perspectives. All the above mentioned platforms have helped in boosting the social media presence of the LMAs.

Performances Of The Night

The night was electrified by performances that had the audience on their feet. Kulo who performed her new single, “Baby Let Me Drive” ignited the crowd as she teased the room by going all black when the performance initially started, and the “Lifetime Achievement Award” winner “Mme Puseletso Seema” had a cameo where she lip synced her famous hit songs as well as give out a speech appreciating how platforms like the LMAs consistently give her her flowers.

New wave artists including Stizzy, Ice Princess and Kriss Iris Avory opened the show with stellar performances showcasing the safety of the Lesotho music industry. DJs such as: Moska and Gabadiya, Teddy also held the fort as the “Best Night Lesotho Music Has To Offer” continued. The MPOTY winner, T.U.R.K performed his hit single “Do what I do” from his award winning project “Better Late Than Never.”

Beyond The Awards

LMAs continues to highlight the importance of nurturing Lesotho’s music industry. The event also provided a platform for networking, with artists, producers, and industry stakeholders discussing ways to elevate the Basotho music scene onto regional and international stages.

Looking Ahead

As the curtains closed on the 4th Annual Lesotho Music Awards, it was evident that the night was more than a celebration; it was a reaffirmation of the power and potential of the forever growing Lesotho music industry. With each passing year, the LMAs continue to grow as a beacon of cultural pride, and anticipation is already building for the 5th edition in 2025.

For Lesotho’s music enthusiasts, the event was a reminder that the rich, diverse sounds of the mountain kingdom should not only be heard but celebrated.

Photo credits: LMA

Views: 73