At just 30, Selloane Thakanyane is emerging as one of Lesotho’s promising creative voices, weaving together music, visual storytelling, and a deeply rooted sense of faith into a journey that is as personal as it is inspiring.
Born and raised in Lesotho, Thakanyane grew up in a born-again Christian household, an upbringing that continues to shape both her identity and her artistry. From an early age, music was part of her world, but stepping into it professionally was not always easy.
“Yes, music has always been with me but I just lacked the courage to go after it,” she reflects.
“It needs more than just a voice, and I avoided it until I could not run away from it anymore.”
That turning point would eventually lead her into the spotlight, but not before she laid a strong creative foundation. Thakanyane studied TV and Film Production at Limkokwing University of Creative Technology, an experience that broadened her understanding of storytelling beyond sound.
“The course has given me a wider view into how the world we watch on TV works and how it’s created,” she explains.
“It makes me so thrilled, producing visuals and music videos and storylines that properly align with my music and who I really am.”
This multidisciplinary approach is becoming a defining feature of her artistry. For Thakanyane, music is not just about sound, it is about the complete experience, from lyrics to visuals, all working in harmony to communicate a message.
Her official entry into the music industry came in 2023, when she collaborated with Penya Play on two love-inspired singles, Kea U Rata and Lerato. These songs introduced listeners to her emotive style and marked the beginning of a journey that has steadily gained momentum.
In 2024, she expanded her sonic palette through collaborations with local DJ Scott, working on tracks such as Morao and Dali. The following year, she teamed up with hip hop artist Phoka Ea Boroa on Memeza, further showcasing her versatility and willingness to explore different musical spaces.
“Honestly, for me, passion for music is the first thing I observe in a person before working with them,”
For Thakanyane, growth has been both deliberate and deeply felt.
“The growth is very visible from my first projects until now,” she says.
“I have gotten to experience different genres like jazz with songs like Re Basali, and others that haven’t been released.
The growth didn’t just happen with exploring genres, but also vocally, and it’s very motivating, even to myself, to see how far I can go if I keep finding my voice with every beat.”
Her openness to experimentation signals an artist who is not confined by genre, but rather guided by emotion and message. Yet, beyond technical growth and musical exploration, collaboration has also played a crucial role in shaping her journey.
“Honestly, for me, passion for music is the first thing I observe in a person before working with them,” she explains.
“This work can be overwhelming and tiring at times, but working with someone who truly loves it makes it so much easier to navigate the hard parts.”
It is this shared passion that has allowed her to build meaningful creative partnerships, each contributing to her evolution as an artist.
At the core of it all, however, is her faith, a constant thread running through every chapter of her life and career.
“My faith will forever be my backbone in every chapter of my life, in every direction I choose,” she says.
“There are little things that make me, but faith keeps the fire burning even when I get tired. In every song I’ve made, I always hear or sense a very great presence of anointing.”
This spiritual grounding not only fuels her resilience but also shapes the intention behind her music. For Thakanyane, each lyric carries weight, each song a message meant to resonate beyond entertainment.
Looking ahead, her ambitions stretch far beyond local recognition.
“My greatest hope is reaching Hollywood, not even just Joburg,” she says with conviction.
“I am not of this world, and I know I carry a lot of message through every lyric. I remain hopeful for the world to receive it with open arms.”
It is a bold vision, but one that aligns with her unwavering belief in purpose and calling. In an industry often defined by trends and competition, Thakanyane stands out as an artist driven by something deeper, a desire to connect, to inspire, and to remain authentic.
As her journey continues to unfold, Selloane Thakanyane represents a new generation of Mosotho creatives: fearless in expression, grounded in identity, and unafraid to dream beyond borders.
With her voice, her vision, and her faith leading the way, she is not just creating music, she is building a legacy.
Summary
- At just 30, Selloane Thakanyane is emerging as one of Lesotho’s promising creative voices, weaving together music, visual storytelling, and a deeply rooted sense of faith into a journey that is as personal as it is inspiring.
- Born and raised in Lesotho, Thakanyane grew up in a born-again Christian household, an upbringing that continues to shape both her identity and her artistry.
- For Thakanyane, music is not just about sound, it is about the complete experience, from lyrics to visuals, all working in harmony to communicate a message.
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.
