… First local song to hit 1 million YouTube views in under 6 months
In a landmark moment for Lesotho’s music scene, local artist Cityzeen LS has made history with his patriotic anthem Hohle ke Lesotho, which has surpassed 1 million views on YouTube in less than half a year.
It is the first locally published song to reach such a milestone in such a short time, marking a significant breakthrough for homegrown talent and cultural pride.
Uploaded on February 20, 2025, the song celebrates the beauty, resilience, and pride of Lesotho, resonating deeply with audiences both at home and in the diaspora.
Its rapid rise to viral status is not only a personal triumph for Cityzeen but also a national achievement that places the Mountain Kingdom’s music industry firmly on the digital map.
“This is such an honour, especially with it being my first song as a solo artist,” Cityzeen said in an interview after the news broke. “It’s bigger than me, it is about putting Lesotho on the global stage. I made this song from a place of love for my country, and to see it embraced like this means everything.”
While other stars like Malome Vector (Dumelang) and Ntate Stunna (Ke Thata) have achieved impressive YouTube viewership, Cityzeen’s success stands out for its organic, entirely local impact. Without the backing of South African record labels, Hohle ke Lesotho was produced, filmed, and promoted by a team based entirely in Lesotho.
In an industry often overshadowed by South Africa’s massive entertainment market, this milestone signals a shift, proof that Basotho creatives can produce work that resonates far and wide without compromising their identity or language.
According to Sothokids Agency, the artist’s management: “This achievement places Cityzeen in a rare league of Lesotho-born artists to hit such numbers. What sets this moment apart is its homegrown essence. Hohle ke Lesotho was created, promoted, and popularised entirely within the country, serving as a powerful anthem of national pride.”
The track’s rise is not just a win for Cityzeen, but for all local content creators navigating an industry with limited infrastructure and resources. With its unapologetically Basotho sound and imagery, the song has connected with listeners as both a musical hit and a cultural statement.
“When I recorded the song, the lyrics came instantly,” Cityzeen recalled. “I didn’t expect it to blow up this fast. Now there’s pressure to release the music video soon and to work even harder on upcoming songs.”
Born Tšepo Mokhachane, Cityzeen has been building his reputation in Lesotho’s music landscape for over a decade, blending traditional Basotho rhythms with modern Afropop and hip hop, and earning a loyal following through consistency and authentic storytelling.
As of August 14, 2025, Hohle ke Lesotho had garnered over 1,032,000 views, accumulating thousands more each day. The track has also been featured on regional playlists, radio stations, and international African music blogs.
The milestone has sparked calls for greater investment in Lesotho’s creative industries – from music and film to digital marketing – to ensure that successes like this become more common.
Looking ahead, Cityzeen is already working on new projects and has hinted at collaborations with other local artists to elevate the Basotho sound further.
“We have opened the door,” he said. “Now we need to make sure it stays open for everyone else.”
Summary
- In a landmark moment for Lesotho’s music scene, local artist Cityzeen LS has made history with his patriotic anthem Hohle ke Lesotho, which has surpassed 1 million views on YouTube in less than half a year.
- It is the first locally published song to reach such a milestone in such a short time, marking a significant breakthrough for homegrown talent and cultural pride.
- “This is such an honour, especially with it being my first song as a solo artist,” Cityzeen said in an interview after the news broke.
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