The excitement surrounding Lesotho’s biggest music awards reached fever pitch on Saturday as the National Music Awards (NMAs) unveiled nominations for its third edition at a packed Victory Hall in Maseru.
Rising R&B star Mochana stole the spotlight after securing a rare double nomination in the Upcoming Artist of the Year and Newcomer of the Year categories. This achievement places the artist among the frontrunners in what promises to be a highly competitive awards season.
Veteran gospel artist and politician Ntate MCT, formally known as Mokherane Chaltin Tsatsanyane — a Member of Parliament and former deputy minister — was also nominated in the Traditional Gospel category.
Mochana joins Malichelete and Koete Maisane as multi-nominated artists, making them ones to watch as public voting opens in the second week of June.
Few nominees bring as rich a pedigree as Ntate MCT. A respected figure in both politics and music, he has played a behind-the-scenes role in shaping the careers of several prominent artists, including Morena Sway, Ntate Stunna, and Malome Vector.
His nomination alongside Julious Kutlo, St Vincent, and Mable Mahasele highlights the depth of talent in the Traditional Gospel category.
Addressing the audience on behalf of the organisers, Rorisang Motsamai reflected emotionally on the growth of the NMAs. “When we started this journey, we had a vision to create a stage that reflects the true weight of our musical heritage and the limitless potential of our modern creators,” he said.
“In its third year, the NMAs have become more than just an event — they have become a movement.”
Motsamai also unveiled a newly redesigned trophy, created to commemorate Lesotho’s 60th anniversary of independence. The new design incorporates elements of national heritage into the symbol of musical excellence.
The organisers expressed gratitude to key partners who supported the event, including the Ministry of Tourism, Sports and Culture, the Lesotho Copyright Society of Authors and Artists (LESCOSAA), LNBS, and Maluti Premium Lager. “Organising an event of this nature is not an easy task at all,” Motsamai acknowledged.
Patrick Matete, speaking on behalf of the three-member judging panel — which also includes ‘Mapitso Sekete-Tšiu of Ultimate Radio and Likopo Koloi from Harvest FM — revealed that a record 800 submissions were received this year and carefully shortlisted to 400.
Entries were judged on criteria such as artwork quality, personal brand, production standards, and airplay.
“The goal is to see the Awards grow each year, hence we had to be very thorough in our criteria — no mediocrity, but excellence,” Matete stated. Maseru District led in the number of submissions, followed by Quthing.
Selected Nominations:
Best Jazz: Mookho Moqhali, Sipho Lukhele, Senqu Jazz Band, Maleh, Leomile
Best Single: Litsepe, Thope Tse Khang, Morena Sway, Sannere, Mavele & Tash, Selloane Thakanyane, Sir Schaba
Best Amapiano: Master Peace, Naleli, The Boys, Tankiso Moahloli, Zehae, Jah Mummy
Best Producer: MJ Elphy, Titos Da DJ, Salem, Pheko Rafolatsane, Salem Nikelo
Best Afrosoul: Dee Leche, Morena Thoso, Naylo, Nthabiseng, Ntota
Upcoming Artist of the Year: Matobetsa, Mochana, Malichelete, Terebele Ha Makhaola, Sleek Savage, TL Recalos Nunes, Koete, Kutloano
Newcomer of the Year: Maine, De Nationa, King Leah, Mabena C, Uno G, Lazy King LS, Lady Ray, Malichelete, Naleli, Mochana, Steja, Jobo, Koete Maisane, Makosholo, Monna Motsamai, Shekesha, Nylo, Adrena, Skitimi
Sotho Hop: Kayman, Malakabe Music, Magnum Maestro, Marvel Peace Boy, Terebele Music, King Lee
Traditional Gospel: Ntate MCT (Mokherane Chaltin Tsatsanyane), Julious Kutlo, St Vincent, Mable Mahasele
Hip Hop: Mathibi 058, Majakathata, Jobo & Gflaggs, Magnum Maestro, Lakabane Music, Cici Sehloho, Back Ceiling, KC Paul, Clamourise, Question 9, Sekang, Dr Pass, Herocks LS
Record of the Year: Morena Sway, Nthabiseng Flora, Litsepe LR, Phoka Ea Boroa, Minister Spokes
The NMAs feature 20 categories in total.
Several prestigious awards, including the Queen ‘Mamohato Lifetime Achievement Award, Recognised Artist, Best Radio Music Presenter, Artist of the Decade, and Artist of the Year, will be decided by the organisers and judging panel and are not open to public voting.
Public voting for the remaining categories opens in the second week of June.
Summary
- A respected figure in both politics and music, he has played a behind-the-scenes role in shaping the careers of several prominent artists, including Morena Sway, Ntate Stunna, and Malome Vector.
- “When we started this journey, we had a vision to create a stage that reflects the true weight of our musical heritage and the limitless potential of our modern creators,” he said.
- Several prestigious awards, including the Queen ‘Mamohato Lifetime Achievement Award, Recognised Artist, Best Radio Music Presenter, Artist of the Decade, and Artist of the Year, will be decided by the organisers and judging panel and are not open to public voting.
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