Melodscape

MASERU- Wave Rhyder is no longer just a rising star- he is a force to be reckoned with in Southern Africa’s music scene. Since the release of his debut album Manothi, he has witnessed his growth firsthand, with fans across Lesotho, South Africa, and Botswana embracing his music. The love and appreciation he receives at gigs reflects the impact of his artistry. “Every time I perform my songs, the crowd goes crazy,” he says.

A MUSICAL EVOLUTION ROOTED IN CULTURE Creativity is at the core of Wave Rhyder’s process. His approach to songwriting has evolved, and he now finds it easy to craft songs at any given moment. However, what makes his music truly special is its deep connection to Lesotho’s culture and identity. “Most of the time when I write, I use my mother tongue,” he explains. Beyond the lyrics, his use of traditional instruments, especially the Koriana, further embeds his music in the cultural fabric of Lesotho.

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CELEBRATING BEAUTY AND LOYALTY THROUGH MUSIC

One of Wave Rhyder’s standout tracks ‘ Botle Ba Ngoan’enoa’ is a celebration of beauty, particularly that of women. “It was me appreciating beautiful women,” he says. Even before its release, a snippet of the song had gone viral on TikTok, with over 86,000 videos using it. Seeing its momentum, he decided to bring in Sannere to add his touch- an idea that paid off brilliantly. And with lyrics like, “Hantle hantle ke na le litaba, khaitseli, ‘nete u botle ba tsatsi-le-chaba, ho u sheba mahlong ha se le hore kea ts’aba” showcases his emotional vulnerability as he poured out into the track.

His collaboration, Manothi with the late great Malome Vector was equally significant. Their track was a heartfelt tribute to their fans and has Malome Vector on the hook saying, “Kasi li tletse nna weh, hao potela corner u tla utloa ho lla nna weh” displays how thankful they are, “Our songs are always played corner to corner every day,” Wave states. Malome Vector’s involvement gave the track an extra push, with his loyal supporters embracing it fully. The song’s success after Malome Vector’s passing was especially touching, proving just how beloved he was.

LOVE AND EXPERIMENTATION IN ‘CRIMINAL’

Wave Rhyder’s latest song Criminal, is a product of love and inspiration. “The story behind the song is simple- I am just in love. My heart got stolen, hence the lyrics ‘baby, your love is like a criminal, I swear you stole my heart,’” Beyond the romance, Criminal marks a sonic shift for him. The Afrobeat sample shows his eagerness to explore the possibility of an Extended Play (EP) or even a full album in this style.

A RELENTLESS WORK ETHIC IN COLLABORATIONS

Whether on his own songs or as a featured artists, Wave Rhyder maintains a high standard. “I do nothing different when it comes to my guest features. I treat them as if they are my own songs because I am representing myself everywhere I put my voice in.” His work on Hoba Monna is particularly close to his heart, as it addresses the silent struggles of men who feel they cannot openly express their emotions.

One of his most unexpected collaborations came through pure chance. ‘Ea Khang Ke Mang’ was originally just a track Litshepe Lr was playing in the car. “ Funny enough, he was not even playing it for me,” Wave Rhyder recalls. “I had to stop the car and ask him to send me the song- I knew I had to be a part of it.” Arguably one of his best verses that showcases his penmanship, he brings on witty lines such as, “Ba lula ho nkhalemella ho ja motho le beat, ba re ke meharo. Joetsang a ntsa re a ka nhlola, a tlohele ho lora toro tsa Faro. Hahona kheleke e ka kakasang Maqhubu hle, hono ke leshano. Ka pina ke boima ba Malome Vector, ke bohale ba Tau.” shows his versatility in the industry and how he excels at it.

Looking ahead, he has exciting projects lined up with artists like Shandesh from Limpompo and HanC from Botswana, and he also has a Lekompo track on the way called, Motshwareng, showing more levels to his versatility.

THE ROAD AHEAD: MORE MUSIC, MORE IMPACT

While fans eagerly await a new full-length project, Wave Rhyder remains focused on delivering more music and visuals throughout 2025. His growing presence in the Southern African music industry is undeniable, with endorsements from major artists like Sir Trill reinforcing his status. His advice for aspiring musicians? “Keep pushing and pray. Be consistent with your work, and there shall be a breakthrough.”

Wave Rhyder’s journey is a testament to talent, cultural pride, and perseverance. With every song, he reaffirms his place as one of the most compelling voices in African music today.

Photo credits: Unknown

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