In a major stride toward transforming Lesotho’s music sector into a professional and internationally competitive industry, the Recording Industry of Lesotho (RIL) has been officially established.
This newly formed non-profit organisation is dedicated to safeguarding the interests of record labels and independent artists, with a sharp focus on protecting master rights, the rights of those who own the recordings themselves.
While Lesotho has a growing music scene rich in creativity and cultural relevance, it has long lacked a formal body that speaks specifically to the recording industry’s technical and commercial needs.
RIL arrives to fill that gap by creating a structured environment for the production, distribution, and global recognition of recorded music made in the Mountain Kingdom.
Speaking exclusively to this publication, RIL President Sir Schaba, mentioned that they are not here to serve as a general music rights organisation but to protect the work of both recording artists and record labels.
The President laid out the vision, strategy, and expected impact of this landmark institution, saying this is a significant elevation of Lesotho’s industry to global standards.
“This body is specifically for record labels and independent artists who own recorded works. Our goal is to professionalise the recording sector and elevate it to meet international standards, specifically covering the rights of owners of recordings, also known as master rights,” said the RIL President.
Unlike the Lesotho Music Rights Association, which deals more broadly with composers and performers, RIL focuses on recorded music, the product that gets streamed, downloaded, and monetised across the world.
“We want to make it very clear that RIL is about ownership. If you own your master rights, then RIL is here to protect you,” the President emphasised.
One of the organisation’s key ambitions is to affiliate directly with the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI), the global governing body of the recording industry.
“The success of RIL will be measured by our full accreditation through IFPI’s regional office in Nairobi. That affiliation would mean Lesotho is officially on the global recording map. With IFPI recognition, Basotho artists and producers could benefit from the same industry frameworks and protections as those in South Africa, Nigeria, the UK, or the US,” said the President.
The timing of this initiative couldn’t be more critical. The global music industry is rapidly shifting toward digital platforms, with streaming services, digital distribution, and artificial intelligence reshaping how music is created and consumed.
For artists in Lesotho to keep pace, infrastructure like RIL is essential. A cornerstone of this modernisation will be the implementation of the International Standard Recording Code (ISRC) assignment for all members.
“Through RIL, members will now be able to receive Lesotho-specific ISRC codes,” said Sir Schaba. “These codes are globally recognised unique identifiers for recorded music. Each code holds metadata, who wrote the song, who performed it, when and where it was produced. This not only ensures your music is traceable around the world, but also guarantees that royalties flow back to the rightful owners.”
In practical terms, this means that when a song by a Mosotho artist is played on Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube, or on radio stations abroad, there is a clear digital trail that leads back to the creator. This visibility increases opportunities for licensing, distribution, and income from both domestic and international markets.
The establishment of RIL could be exactly what Lesotho-based artists need during this period when some of them have started to garner global recognition through their work and securing international deals.
The likes of Sannere, Omali Themba, Ntate Stunna, Thope Tse Khang, Minister Spokes, even the late Malome Vector, whose music continues to be played all over the world, are some of those who will benefit a lot from RIL.
Legal support is another cornerstone of RIL’s service offering. “Our job is to ensure that members are operating in full compliance with global industry standards. This includes contracts, licensing agreements, and copyright protection. If your music is used anywhere in the world—Europe, the U.S., wherever—you should be confident that you’ll receive your fair share,” Sir Schaba added.
To further strengthen its foundation, RIL is already in talks with RISA (Recording Industry of South Africa) to develop mentorship programs, build industry-standard tools like national music charts, and design a certification system to recognise achievements such as gold or platinum status for top-performing artists.
“RISA has years of experience in this space. We’ll be receiving training and technical support to help build the instruments Lesotho’s recording sector needs, such as data software, certification metrics, and industry analytics.”
RIL will operate on a subscription model, with members registering and renewing annually. Only registered members in good standing will have access to benefits such as ISRC codes, legal services, and training opportunities.
“Being part of RIL means you’re officially part of the global recording community. This opens up doors that were previously closed for Basotho artists,” Sir Schaba affirmed.
For a country brimming with musical talent but often overlooked on the international stage, the establishment of RIL could be a game-changer. It signals a shift from informal hustling to formal industry participation, a step that many believe is long overdue. Artists and labels are encouraged to register, not just for access to tools and resources, but to be part of shaping the future of Lesotho’s music industry.
“This is the moment for Lesotho to take its place in the global music conversation,” concluded the President. “With the right tools, guidance, and community, our artists can thrive, not just locally, but worldwide.”
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