… With Ntate Stunna ranking 10th
Staff Reporters
Google has unveiled the findings of its 2024 Year in Search for South Africa, revealing that Lesotho artist, the late Malome Vector, topped the list of the Top 10 music searches.
He was followed by Shebeshxt, Chris Brown, Tyla, P. Diddy, Tswana Bami, Kabza Chant, Donald, and Imithandazo.
Another Lesotho artist, Ntate Stunna, secured the 10th spot on the list.
Malome Vector tragically passed away in a car accident on July 24, 2024, while traveling back to Lesotho.
Born Bokang Moleli, Malome Vector seamlessly blended afro-pop, R&B, soul, and afro beats. He began his musical journey as a choir boy in Roma, Maseru, before rising to international fame.
After signing with South Africa’s Ambitiouz Entertainment in 2020, his debut album “Karabo” debuted at number one on iTunes South Africa. His 2024 EP, “1964,” further cemented his place as one of the region’s most sought-after artists.
Despite his success in South Africa, Malome Vector’s Lesotho roots remained central to his identity. His untimely death, at just 32, shocked fans across the continent and solidified his legacy, as seen in his top spot on the 2024 Year in Search list.
Ntate Stunna, born Thaabe Letsie in 1996, fell in love with hip-hop before it became mainstream in Lesotho. He started listening to artists like 50 Cent and G-Unit during primary school when house music was more popular in the country.
Despite early criticism, Stunna continued to pursue his passion for hip-hop. His stage name, Ntate Stunna, was inspired by his fans, with “Ntate” meaning “father” in Sesotho.
Before pursuing music full-time, he considered studying law or IT. However, after his mother faced financial difficulties during his matric year, Stunna focused on music. His first single, “Mookho,” went viral in Lesotho, launching his career.
Stunna faced challenges in the music industry, such as limited royalties and piracy.
To combat this, he launched a T-shirt line to accompany his viral single. His entrepreneurial spirit led him to create a fashion line, including a partnership with Aranda to produce a blanket as part of his “Sesotho Fashioning” EP.
His single “Ke Thatha” has garnered over a million views on YouTube, and as an independent artist, he continues to thrive.
