Lesotho has taken a bold step onto the continental stage with the appointment of Tello ‘Dallas T’ Leballo as the National Director for the African Music Icons (AMI) 2026.
The announcement signals a new chapter for the Mountain Kingdom’s creative industries, positioning the country at the heart of one of Africa’s most anticipated cultural and television events.
The African Music Icons (AMI) is a ground-breaking cultural and television event designed to amplify African music on the global stage. Far beyond the glamour of an awards ceremony, AMI serves as a hub for industry dialogue, cross-border collaboration, and policy innovation.
By mobilising artists, investors, policymakers, and creatives, it seeks to transform African music into a sustainable cultural and economic force, redefining the role of African artists as global ambassadors of culture.
The announcement was made on Wednesday this week, and for Leballo, the appointment carries both personal and professional significance.
“On a personal level, it is both humbling and exhilarating. I have dedicated much of my career to broadcasting, cultural advocacy, and building platforms for African voices to be heard. To be entrusted with this role feels like a culmination of those efforts, a recognition that our stories, rhythms, and voices matter profoundly on the global stage.
“Professionally, it presents an extraordinary opportunity to apply my experience in media and cultural entrepreneurship towards shaping a legacy project that positions Lesotho, and Africa more broadly, at the very heart of global cultural conversations,” Leballo said.
While many may see AMI as just another awards show, Leballo insists it is much more than that. He said the platform creates a redefining moment for African artists as it has a cultural and economic aspect to it.
“Awards alone can dazzle, but AMI’s essence is transformative,” he explained.
“It is a vehicle for redefining the African artist as not only a performer but as a cultural ambassador, an economic driver, and an innovator. By creating space for dialogue, cross-border collaboration, and industry problem-solving, AMI becomes less about the trophies and more about building infrastructure for growth. It mobilises policy-makers, investors, and creatives to collectively design solutions for sustainability, fair recognition, and global visibility. In short, it reframes African music not as niche entertainment but as a global cultural force.”
Leballo sees the platform as a golden opportunity for Lesotho’s musicians to take their place on the international stage. He mentioned that Lesotho artists are brimming with originality yet often operate at the periphery of continental conversations.
“AMI offers even Lesotho artists a direct gateway to continental and global platforms, enabling them to showcase their artistry alongside Africa’s most celebrated names,” he said.
“Beyond visibility, it positions Lesotho as a cultural contributor rather than a cultural consumer. The ripple effects extend to tourism, creative entrepreneurship, and national branding, in essence, allowing Lesotho to punch above its weight on the continental cultural map.”
The issue of sustainability in the creative industries is one Leballo takes seriously. He hopes to use AMI as a platform to address it head-on.
“The starting point is to foster an ecosystem where creativity translates into livelihoods. I hope to champion partnerships that link artists with corporate sponsors, digital platforms, and policymakers in a way that ensures the value chain is both respected and rewarded,” he explained.
“We must normalise professional structures, from artist management and rights protection to digital monetisation, so that creativity is no longer seen as a hobby but as a viable career path. Sustainability, in my view, lies in embedding creativity into national development strategies and ensuring artists are equipped with both the tools and networks to thrive.”
Looking ahead, Leballo hopes his leadership will leave a lasting legacy not only for the African Music Icons but also for Lesotho’s cultural identity.
“I hope my tenure will be remembered for expanding the horizons of possibility, where African artists, and Basotho artists in particular, recognised their place not as footnotes in global culture but as headline contributors,” he said.
“For Lesotho, I want the legacy to be that this small mountain kingdom stood tall in celebrating, exporting, and shaping Africa’s soundscape. If in 2026 an artist from Lesotho is standing on an international stage saying, ‘I began my journey through AMI,’ then my leadership will have served its purpose.”
As the countdown to AMI 2026 begins, Lesotho, guided by Leballo’s vision, is poised to make history alongside Africa’s brightest musical talents.
Leballo is a pioneering figure in Lesotho’s media and cultural industries, with a career spanning broadcasting, media production, and cultural entrepreneurship.
From his early days on Radio Lesotho, to implementing the Ultimate Radio, and later on founding the first digital radio station in Lesotho, Sky Alpha HD.
Widely known for his innovative approach to storytelling and advocacy for African voices, he has played a central role in shaping platforms that showcase local talent while connecting Lesotho to wider African and global audiences.
His work has positioned him as one of the country’s most influential media personalities and a respected voice in continental cultural conversations.
Summary
- “Professionally, it presents an extraordinary opportunity to apply my experience in media and cultural entrepreneurship towards shaping a legacy project that positions Lesotho, and Africa more broadly, at the very heart of global cultural conversations,” Leballo said.
- He said the platform creates a redefining moment for African artists as it has a cultural and economic aspect to it.
- “It is a vehicle for redefining the African artist as not only a performer but as a cultural ambassador, an economic driver, and an innovator.
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.
