The 5th edition of the Lesotho Music Awards (LMAs) lit up the Khali Hotel in Maseru on Saturday night, a celebration that almost did not happen. Despite major logistical challenges in the days leading up to the ceremony, the show went on, proving resilience at its finest.
Uncertainty clouded the event after major sponsors withdrew, and the venue was not secured in time. But organisers pushed forward with determination, driven by a shared belief in the importance of consistency and industry recognition.
“There was a pact we made within our committee and we vowed to make the event happen with or without funding… we wanted to maintain the consistency we plan to have in the public’s eye.” Malibe Mahao, the Event Organiser, said.
Mahao reflected on the growth of the LMAs over the years, describing the initiative as a “waterproof project” that has demonstrated its resilience faster than anticipated.
When the Lesotho Tourism Development Corporation (LTDC) and other partners pulled financial support, the committee was forced to regroup and adapt.
“We had to go back to the drawing board… the withdrawal delayed us as we didn’t effectively market the event according to our expectations,” Mahao said.
Even so, the LMAs remained a legacy project in the making — one that requires patience, collaboration, and a long-term vision for both artists and audiences.
Despite the setbacks, fresh partnerships emerged in the final stretch, including Onstore LS, Sesotho Fashioneng, Ebet, and LinBet. Their involvement ensured that cash prizes for winners became a reality for the first time, a major milestone in supporting artists beyond trophies and applause.
“I would advise partners to sponsor local arts… The unity between partners and the arts can ensure that we enable an ecosystem that thrives and decreases the unemployment rate in the country,” Mahao said.
He added that shepherding the awards through difficult moments has strengthened his own leadership and emotional resilience.
Looking ahead, the LMAs aspire to become one of Lesotho’s longest-running entertainment platforms, boost regional collaborations, and create more opportunities for artists through enhanced corporate partnerships.
Top winners of the night
Rapper and vocalist Litšepe LR dominated the ceremony, taking home Artist of the Year and Music Project of the Year for his acclaimed EP Kopano Ke Matla.
Full List of Winners — 2025 Lesotho Music Awards
– Artist of the Year: Litshepe LR
– Song of the Year: Hohle Ke Lesotho — Cityzeen LS
– Best Male Artist: Wave Rhyder
– Best DJ: Sefali
– Best Event Content Creator: Mahali
– Event Influencer of the Year: Pontšo
– Best Music Content Creator: Serly
– Best Newcomer: Leo Rush
– Best Collaboration: Sweety Lavo — Shashie, Lwah Ndlunkulu, Redash, Nollzuss & Muziqal Guru
– Best International Feature: Dumelang — Kharishma ft. Sannere
– Best International Act: Kamoh Xaba
– Music Project of the Year: Kopano Ke Matla — Litshepe LR
– Best Hip Hop Artist: Atii Zee
– Best Afro-Pop Artist: Omali Themba
– Best Producer: Shev Shengu
– Best House Producer: Tedy Trenchbabyy
Honorary Awards
– Lifetime Achievement Award: Malome Vector
– Most Valuable Player: Ntate Stunna
– Best Music Journalist: Chris Theko
– Record of the Year: Moea Qhomane
Summary
- “There was a pact we made within our committee and we vowed to make the event happen with or without funding… we wanted to maintain the consistency we plan to have in the public’s eye.
- Mahao reflected on the growth of the LMAs over the years, describing the initiative as a “waterproof project” that has demonstrated its resilience faster than anticipated.
- Even so, the LMAs remained a legacy project in the making — one that requires patience, collaboration, and a long-term vision for both artists and audiences.
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