…Urges Basotho to rally behind him
Legendary gospel artist Tankiso Moahloli, a beloved voice from Mafeteng, is calling on Basotho at home and abroad to help him clinch victory at the prestigious Gospel Choice Music Awards (GCMA) in Atlanta, Georgia, USA.
Moahloli has been nominated in the fiercely contested “International Male Artist of the Year – GCMA Finalist 2025” category and is now on a mission to secure one million votes.
The GCMA, formerly known as the Gospel Choice Awards, is celebrating its 31st anniversary from June 26th to 29th, 2025. The platform honours gospel heritage and influential artists globally.
Speaking to Newsday yesterday, Moahloli expressed both surprise and gratitude.
“I just got the email that I was nominated. I even thought it might be a scam,” he laughed. “To be recognised internationally… it felt like God was saying, ‘I’m in the driver’s seat’.”
This nomination crowns a career spanning over two decades. Moahloli’s journey began in Botswana in 2002 with his debut album Linako lia Khutsufala, which quickly became a hit in Lesotho.
He followed it up with the fan-favourite Hoja ke sena uena in 2008, while based in South Africa, and released his third album, Paradise, in 2015. In 2023, he was honoured locally with the “Classic of All Time” award in Lesotho.
But for Moahloli, this isn’t just personal, it is national.
“This is our time as Basotho to love ourselves and show the world who we are,” he said. “Let’s showcase our culture on the global stage.”
Famous for proudly performing in his mokorotlo, Basotho blanket, and gumboots, Moahloli added: “It’s a cherry on top to stand there and say, ‘I am Mosotho’.”
The first voting round, which allowed unlimited votes, saw Moahloli gain momentum, with his team achieving around 50 percent mobilisation. “We didn’t sleep, we were voting non-stop,” he recalled. The final round, however, allows only one vote per person, making each vote even more critical.
“We’re targeting one million votes,” Moahloli declared. “We’re calling every Mosotho and every supporter to cast their vote. This is our moment.”
But beyond the votes, the road to Atlanta is a financial challenge.
“We’re busy with visa applications, fundraising, and seeking sponsorships,” he said. “We need support for travel, accommodation, everything. When we get to America, we want to make noise. We want to be heard.”
He called on the government, corporate sponsors, and individuals to lend a hand, saying any contribution counts.
To young and upcoming artists, Moahloli’s message was simple:
“Be artistic. Don’t limit yourself. Put God first.”
He also extended heartfelt thanks to Basotho who have supported him so far, especially during the voting, and to his family, his “backbone.”
As Moahloli prepares to represent Lesotho on the global stage, the message is clear: this is bigger than one artist—it’s about national pride. Let’s rally behind him and bring this award home.
This nomination is a pivotal moment. Tankiso Moahloli is ready to represent Lesotho on a global stage, carrying the nation’s hopes and cultural pride. Let’s rally behind him with votes and support to help bring this international award home.
How to Vote:
- Visit the Gospel Choice Music Awards website.
- Navigate to the “Voting” category.
- Find the section: International Male Artist of the Year – GCMA Finalist 2025.
- Select Tankiso Moahloli. (Remember: One vote per person in this final round).
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