After a significant hiatus from solo releases, Lesotho-born artist Phoka Ea Boroa makes a powerful return with his highly anticipated EP Tebello, officially released today, 1 August 2025.
The title, Tebello, a Sesotho word meaning “expectation” or “anticipation”, encapsulates both Phoka’s personal journey and the faith his fans have maintained during his creative silence.
This new body of work is Phoka’s first release under the newly established Metsoaka Group label, launched earlier this year.
The EP is also in collaboration with Whole Time Entertainment, the label through which he released his previous project Bayethe.
Known for his poetic lyricism and spiritually grounded sound, Phoka continues to explore vulnerability in his music. But Tebello represents more than just a return, it marks a reinvention.
Following the critical success of Mohlabani and Bayethe, this latest offering signals a refined and re-energised chapter in his musical evolution.
“The EP was named Tebello because it took me a while to release this body of work,” Phoka explained. “Some people and media started suggesting I might be a one-hit wonder or had abandoned music. But there were still people who held on to hope, and that hope is what Tebello represents.”
The EP features eight carefully crafted tracks and a diverse list of collaborators, including Ntate Stunna, Sannere, Maifi, Bobby Strings, Maleboo, C Max, and Litsepe Lr.
Each artist brings a unique flavour, yet the EP maintains a cohesive vision.
“Most of the artists I worked with on Tebello have completely different styles, and that’s what makes it special,” he said.
“The track with Ntate Stunna, for example, was inspired by lekhele, a traditional Sesotho music style. As soon as I started recording, I could already hear his flow. It was the same with Sannere, Litsepe, and others, the energy aligned naturally.”
The opening track, Tlhopheho, is especially personal. It features a heartfelt spoken-word contribution from Phoka’s mother, offering encouragement and grounding the project in familial roots and emotional memory.
“It’s my way of reflecting on how far I have come from humble beginnings,” he said. “Working with my mother made the song deeply emotional. It’s not just music, it’s memory, motivation, and a tribute.”
Despite the smooth final result, the making of Tebello was far from easy. Phoka admitted that balancing studio time with off-mic obligations and frequent fatigue stretched him thin.
“Time was my biggest challenge,” he recalled. “I had so many commitments and was constantly exhausted. But I kept going because I believed in the message of the project.”
That message is one of resilience. Through candid storytelling, Phoka addresses his upbringing in poverty, moments of self-doubt, and the decision to persist with his craft.
“This EP is me telling my story, coming from struggle and choosing to believe that no matter where you are in life, things can change,” he said. “It’s my way of giving hope to someone else who may be going through it.”
While Tebello remains rooted in Phoka’s signature style, the project showcases noticeable lyrical growth.
“I went hard on my pen game,” he said proudly. “I wanted people to hear the strength of my lyrics and recognise me as a true lyricist. That was important for me on this project.”
Tebello is available on all major streaming platforms. To celebrate the release, a special listening session will be held tonight at Café What? in Maseru.
The event promises an intimate gathering of creativity, reflection, and celebration.
A Professional Communications practitioner with a wealth of expertise in marketing, public speaking, communication and media relations. I believe in learning everyday and improving one’s personal and professional capabilities.
* A former journalist and radio host who is passionate about media and it’s impact on society.
