The government will once again support the creative industry with M500,000 to host the 2nd National Music Awards (NMAs) slated for September 27 at the ‘Manthabiseng Convention Centre.
The announcement was made this week by the Minister of Tourism, Sports, Arts and Culture, Motlatsi Maqelepo, during the official launch of the awards. Maqelepo highlighted the government’s commitment to growing the music sector despite economic challenges.
“It was only last year when we concluded to establish the National Music Awards,” he said.
“Both last year and this year, under difficult economic conditions, we were able to put aside half a million maloti as the government. Despite earlier thoughts of prioritising other policy areas, we decided to begin with the National Music Awards to show appreciation. Those who are nominated and those who win will truly feel valued.”
Maqelepo acknowledged that while pressing needs remain in areas such as infrastructure, health, and education, deliberate investment in the creative industry was essential to ensure local talent receives recognition.
“We must accept that at the moment, the creative industry in Lesotho, especially the music sector, is still behind. I always say I am part of the creative industry; I make the noise from the corner, calling for both the government and the private sector to support us.
He said the creative industry has the potential to change the country’s economic prospects and more.
“We are making a case to the cabinet, to the private sector, and to the public to see more resources pumped into this sector.”
The minister stressed that music has long been a tool for social cohesion and national pride, adding that investing in it was an investment in Basotho themselves. He further revealed that the government plans to expand support beyond music to other creative fields, including film, dance, theatre, and fine arts.
“We are looking at initiatives that start from the grassroots level,” he explained. “We want to build platforms that give opportunities to young Basotho creatives to showcase their talents, sharpen their skills, and eventually compete on an international scale. This is about building a sustainable creative economy, not just celebrating one night of awards.”
He also called on the private sector to partner with government, emphasising that public funding alone would not be enough to sustain the industry.
At the same event, Rorisang Motsamai, representing the NMA’s organising team, thanked the ministry for its continued support.
“We are grateful to the ministry for this great initiative and the relentless support they have shown since the beginning of the awards last year,” Motsamai said.
He revealed that this year’s awards will feature 22 categories, including Song of the Year, Record of the Year, Single of the Year, Classic of All Times, and the prestigious Queen Mamohato Lifetime Achievement Award. Entries were submitted earlier this year, and nominees were finalised in May.
Winners in all categories will receive a trophy and M5,000 cash prize, while the Queen ‘Mamohato Lifetime Achievement Awardwill carry a M10,000 prize in recognition of its significance.
Motsamai emphasised that the NMAs were not only about competition but also about celebrating and preserving Lesotho’s musical heritage.
“The awards are also about preserving our heritage and ensuring that music as an art form continues to thrive for generations to come,” he said.
The inaugural NMAs in 2024 drew significant attention and marked a turning point for the recognition of Basotho musicians. With this year’s expanded categories and greater participation, organisers expect the 2025 edition to set a new standard for the industry.
As the countdown to 27 September begins, the NMAs are shaping up to be more than just a night of glitz and glamour. They symbolise a growing recognition that music, and the creative industry as a whole, can play a key role in national unity, cultural identity, and economic transformation.
“This is about showing appreciation. It is about building an industry that can stand on its own and one day contribute meaningfully to our economy. With the right support, our creatives can change the prospects of Lesotho,” Maqelepo said.
Summary
- “We are making a case to the cabinet, to the private sector, and to the public to see more resources pumped into this sector.
- He revealed that this year’s awards will feature 22 categories, including Song of the Year, Record of the Year, Single of the Year, Classic of All Times, and the prestigious Queen Mamohato Lifetime Achievement Award.
- They symbolise a growing recognition that music, and the creative industry as a whole, can play a key role in national unity, cultural identity, and economic transformation.
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