Khopolo receives first SATMA nomination

Chris Theko

Renowned famo artist Khopolo Kholuoe has been nominated for the 2022 South African Traditional Music Awards (SATMAs).

SATMAs, celebrating 17 years since their inauguration in 2006, are an annual award ceremony meant to celebrate music made in the style of the people and various language groups of South Africa.

Popularly known as Lisuoa (Spiteful), Khopolo from Mafeteng District has been nominated for the awards in the Best Sesotho Artist/Group category.

Speaking to this publication on Wednesday, Khopolo expressed his excitement over the achievement saying he did not expect a nomination on his first entry into the awards.

“This is the first time I am being nominated for such an award. I feel very proud to have made it, especially because this is the first time I registered,” Khopolo said.

“There were so many registrations as would be expected, but to make it to the final three is a big achievement and I am very excited,” he added.

He will be going against a tough competition with Thabang Mosoeunyana and Linare Tsa Mafube who are also nominated in the same category.

Artists such as the late Mosotho Chakela and Selomo have received the accolade in the past.

The recent artist from Lesotho to win the award was Quthing Born, Morusu Hlalele.

“I have faith that the fans will vote for me to win this award because the outcome on the day of the ceremony will depend on how people voted,” Khopolo said.

He added: “I may feel like my project is big and worthy enough to win the award but the people who consume my music may feel that is not the case, so I hope they vote for me.”

He has been nominated with his 2021 album titled Lisothile Bokaota 10 which has the title track, Notsi Ba Lome.

Lisothile Bokaota is a continuation album which has albums 1 to 10. Another project since the artist went solo having left Lekase’s (Bereng Majoro) group called Lekase le Khopolo.

Last year, Khopolo was crowned the best famo artist at an award ceremony organised by one local radio station, (Tsenolo FM).

He said he hopes to win the SATMA as it has always been his dream.