Chris Theko
Lesotho famo musician Morusu Hlalele hailing from Moyeni in Quthing has brought glory home after winning the highly contested Sesotho Artist of the year award at The 16th annual South African Traditional Music Achievement (SATMA) Awards this week.
The awards ceremony took place in Mpumalanga at the Premier Hotel, The Winkler in Mbombela in South Africa where guests walked the red carpet in stylish traditional attire as they made way to the SATMA Dome.
Morusu was nominated Best Sesotho artist with album titled Corona “Morusu no 4†which was released in November 2020 and talks about Covid-19.
He was faced with stiff competition including countrymen Mahlanya nominated with his album titled Thuto containing hit single ‘Lerato Le Nfetolang Lekhoba’ and Bana ba Motho with the album Litaba.
After receiving the award, Morusu expressed his delight saying he felt honoured to be one of the winners, adding that he appreciates all who voted for him.
“Thank you so much to everyone for the support from the beginning until the end, I am grateful to all of you the supporters of Famo music.
“In particular, I thank those who kept voting for me, it was not because I am special but was merely lucky to receive the people’s love which I pray be extended to other fellow Famo singers,†Morusu said.
The awards are not just about honouring the traditional music singers but producers as well where Limpopo-born Deejay Avesh best known for hits such as King Monada’s Idibala won the Best Traditional Music Producer award.
Legendary South African traditional singer, Candy Tsamandebele was nominated in four categories but did not win any awards while the Kwazulu Natal born ex South African Idols contestants, The Qwabe twins were the big winners taking home two awards – Best female Artist/group and Best Traditional Collaboration song.
Some of the categories in the competition included – Best Traditional Producer, Best Traditional Music Community Radio Presenter, Best Female Artist/Group, Best Male Artist/Group, Best Upcoming Artist/group, Best Traditional Collaboration Song.
The SATMA Awards were founded in 2005 and inaugurated in 2006 to bring all races and ethnic groups together through the celebration of South Africa’s diverse musical cultures and to eliminate tribalism and other divisive measures.