Katleho Mohapi, the visionary behind Strictly Lesotho Music (SLM), has revolutionised Lesotho’s music scene, transforming it from overlooked to undeniable.
What began as a passion project in April 2015 has evolved into a powerhouse platform, now regarded as the “backbone of Lesotho’s music industry”, boasting over 282,000 Facebook followers and 49,000 on TikTok, among other vibrant digital communities.
“Strictly Lesotho Music is more than just a social media platform,” Mohapi explained. “We created it to give local artists the recognition, exposure, and opportunities they deserve.”
Through meticulous music blogging, reviews, and archival efforts, SLM has reshaped the narrative of Lesotho’s musical landscape, ensuring that homegrown talent gets the spotlight it deserves.
Beyond digital outreach, SLM offers crucial services like music consultancy, artist promotions, events marketing, and music workshops, all facilitated through strategic brand partnerships. This multifaceted approach has directly shaped careers, propelled local artists to global platforms, and solidified Lesotho music as a formidable force.
Mohapi recently formalised SLM as “STRICTLY LESOTHO MUSIC PTY LTD” in August 2023, signaling a shift towards structured monetisation and industry growth. “This is now a trusted local music preservation movement,” he emphasised, “with a mission to ensure artists can profit from their craft.”
While acknowledging the potential role of government and institutions, Mohapi noted the current “hit-or-miss” or uneven support. “There is still so much that can be done, like funding artists, setting up platforms for exposure, or building studios and venues,” he stated.
He advocates for the government to recognise music as a valuable cultural export, similar to other nations.
Despite challenges like limited resources and bureaucratic hurdles, Mohapi remains optimistic. “I had to be the pillar of hope by stepping up,” he said, expressing openness to collaboration.
He envisions partnerships with the Ministry of Tourism, Sports, Arts, and Culture, led by Hon. Motlatsi Maqelepo, to elevate Lesotho music to a national brand. He also calls on cultural bodies, like the National Music Awards and LESCOSAA, and private companies to invest in the industry’s growth.
Regionally, Mohapi aims to secure collaborations with South African festivals and digital platforms, while also pursuing partnerships with major international platforms. On the business front, he seeks collaborations with brands, particularly telecoms and banking sectors, to support youth creativity.
Looking forward, Mohapi’s vision for SLM is ambitious. He aims to expand digital reach, develop an SLM app for streaming and artist-fan interaction, establish a physical space for workshops and recording, and create a sustainable monetisation model. “I want SLM to be the go to platform where artists can build careers, fans can discover talent, and the world cannot ignore Lesotho music,” he stated.
His ultimate goal is to see Lesotho artists headlining international festivals, collaborating with global names, and preserving our unique Sesotho sound. He envisions a vibrant, respected, and sustainable music scene, archived for future generations and celebrated worldwide.
“We have already shaped careers and flipped the script on how local music is seen since 2015,” Mohapi concluded. “Now it’s about scaling that impact.” SLM, he asserts, will continue to lead the charge, solidifying Lesotho’s musical legacy.
I am an IT officer by day, immersed in the world of technology, troubleshooting systems, and ensuring everything runs smoothly. Now, my passion lies in storytelling. I am a writer at heart, fascinated by the power of words to inform, engage, and inspire.
