What began as a jazz gathering has evolved into Lesotho’s premier lifestyle festival, a celebration of music, art, and community proudly backed by Standard Lesotho Bank (SLB).
The Standard Lesotho Bank LETOFE Lifestyle Festival, one of Lesotho’s most iconic cultural events, is celebrating its 21st anniversary, a milestone that marks two decades of rhythm, resilience, and remarkable growth in the nation’s creative landscape.
From its early days as a modest jazz event to its current status as a fully-fledged lifestyle festival, LETOFE has become a powerful platform that brings together thousands of people each year to celebrate music, art, fashion, and Basotho culture.
The event has played a key role in shaping Lesotho’s entertainment identity and boosting local tourism.
At the official media launch in Maseru on Tuesday, festival founder Montoeli ‘Moleli reflected on the journey that has defined LETOFE’s two-decade legacy.
“LETOFE started in 2005 with the first ever leg taking place at Setsoto Stadium,” ‘Moleli explained.
“It was at one point hosted at Khotsong Lodge and NUL Grounds, but eventually settled at Thaba Bosiu Cultural Village. It began under the name Lesotho Tourism Jazz Festival, later became Lesotho Jazz Festival, and eventually evolved into LETOFE.
“When Standard Lesotho Bank came on board as the brand sponsor, it became LETOFE Sounds of Blue, and as it transitioned into a broader lifestyle experience, it became the Standard Lesotho Bank LETOFE Lifestyle.”
“The evolution was driven by a vision to create not just an entertainment event, but a lifestyle platform showcasing the best of Lesotho’s creative talent while drawing visitors from across the region.
“We wanted to build something that Basotho could be proud of. Over the years, LETOFE has become a reflection of who we are, vibrant, resilient, and deeply connected through music and culture. The consistency has also been much to the credit of my team, the sponsors who committed year in and year out,” he added.
The festival has since grown into a household name, with its annual celebration now attracting attendees from Lesotho, South Africa, Botswana, and beyond. More than just a concert, it has become a key tourism and economic driver, supporting small businesses, local vendors, and artisans who form part of the wider creative economy.
For Standard Lesotho Bank, the festival represents much more than a sponsorship, it is a long-standing partnership rooted in shared values of creativity, connection, and African pride.
Speaking at the launch, the bank’s Marketing Manager for Communications and Sponsorships, Manyathela Kheleli, described LETOFE as a flagship event that perfectly aligns with the bank’s brand and cultural mission.
“This festival is our flagship sponsorship, and it resonates very well with our brand. Over the years, our Bank and LETOFE have been inseparable, and we are proud to contribute to the promotion of arts and culture in Lesotho and across Africa,” Kheleli said.
He explained that LETOFE forms part of the wider Standard Bank Group’s Africa Music Series, a continental initiative that supports similar festivals in South Africa, Botswana, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, and Zambia. Through this series, the bank has positioned itself as one of Africa’s biggest patrons of the arts.
“The Standard Lesotho Bank LETOFE Lifestyle Experience is arguably one of the biggest music festivals in the country, a celebration that brings together music, fashion, and food as Basotho wind up the year,” Kheleli noted.
In addition to celebrating the 21-year milestone, the launch also marked another significant achievement, the renewal of Standard Lesotho Bank’s partnership with the festival for another three years, ensuring LETOFE’s continuity until 2027.
“We have signed a new three-year contract that will see the festival hosted until 2027. In the true spirit of the slogan We Live, We Love, We Connect, we aim to grow this festival into a fully-fledged lifestyle event, aligning with global trends in the entertainment industry,” Kheleli confirmed.
Beyond entertainment, the bank views its involvement as an investment in Lesotho’s creative economy. Kheleli highlighted the festival’s economic and social impact, citing the role it plays in stimulating local business and drawing regional visitors.
“For us, LETOFE is not only about great entertainment; it’s a major investment in the economy and the arts industry. The festival creates significant economic spin-offs, attracting scores of revelers from the SADC region and beyond,” he explained.
Over the years, the festival’s stage has hosted a mix of international acts and homegrown stars, giving local artists the opportunity to share platforms with some of Africa’s finest.
“Standard Lesotho Bank is a true patron of the arts. We have nurtured talent and provided platforms for Basotho artists to share stages with some of the best in the region. Our journey with the creative industry spans over 20 years, and it continues,” Kheleli continued.
To show appreciation for its customers, the bank has introduced a six percent discount on festival tickets purchased with Standard Lesotho Bank debit or credit cards through Computicket outlets in Lesotho and other Common Monetary Area (CMA) countries.
“This festival is one way we express gratitude to our customers. Their loyalty has allowed us to sustain this partnership for two decades, and through their continued support, the festival has grown in leaps and bounds,” said Kheleli.
Looking ahead, the bank and organisers share a bold vision for LETOFE’s future, to position it as one of Southern Africa’s leading lifestyle and tourism events.
“We envision LETOFE evolving beyond music, becoming a hotspot for food, art, fashion, and lifestyle, while still preserving its roots as a tourism event. We are benchmarking on the best in Africa and improving our offering year on year,” Kheleli said.
As the summer season approaches, excitement is already building for what promises to be a landmark 21st edition. For festival-goers, it is not just another concert, it is a cultural homecoming. For artists, it is a stage of opportunity.
And for Standard Lesotho Bank, it is a celebration of partnership, creativity, and the unbreakable rhythm of Basotho pride.
“LETOFE has grown into something far bigger than we imagined. It belongs to the people now, and that is what makes it special,” Moleli said.
Summary
- “When Standard Lesotho Bank came on board as the brand sponsor, it became LETOFE Sounds of Blue, and as it transitioned into a broader lifestyle experience, it became the Standard Lesotho Bank LETOFE Lifestyle.
- Over the years, our Bank and LETOFE have been inseparable, and we are proud to contribute to the promotion of arts and culture in Lesotho and across Africa,” Kheleli said.
- “The Standard Lesotho Bank LETOFE Lifestyle Experience is arguably one of the biggest music festivals in the country, a celebration that brings together music, fashion, and food as Basotho wind up the year,” Kheleli noted.
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