Karabo Ramathe
Newsday reporter Karabo Ramathe sat down with Relebohile Mosola, better known as MSL Relo The Japanese, one of Lesotho’s most dynamic entertainers whose talents span music, radio, comedy, theatre, and event hosting. From a childhood spent between Mokhotlong and Maseru to becoming a household name, MSL Relo has built a career grounded in passion, resilience, and authenticity. In this exclusive conversation, he shares his journey from early performances and radio gigs to national recognition and mentoring the next generation of talent.
Karabo: Let us first begin with an introduction part, who are you? Where did you grow up, and what was your childhood like?
MSL Relo: I am Relebohile Mosola, my stage name is MSL Relo The Japanese. I am Mohlakoana ka seboko from Mokhotlong. I had a pretty unique childhood. I was raised mostly by my maternal grandmother, whom I still call my first love. But from age five, I moved to live permanently with my mom in Maseru. She was a domestic worker, so I only saw my grandmother during school holidays. Growing up between Mokhotlong and Maseru in the 1990s shaped a lot of who I am today.
Karabo: And your education? Where did you school?
MSL Relo: I went to Hoohlo Primary School, then Methodist High School, and later pursued my degree at the National University of Lesotho (NUL). I majored in Theatre & Drama and minored in History. I have always been fascinated by performance, Television, drama; you can mention them, so choosing theatre and drama just made sense.
Karabo: So, how did DJing come into the picture?
MSL Relo: Music has always been a big part of me. In high school, I was glued to OFM and PC FM, especially for Hip Hop and Rhythm and blues (R’n’B). When I got to NUL, one of the first things I did was apply to be a presenter at DOPE FM, the campus radio. Everyone there was spinning House and Kwaito, even at events at KayCees. Me having a background in the genres I mentioned, it was only easy for me to pick a side that was not represented at all at groove, because I was tired of listening to only house and kwaito, and right there I started, I became a hit instantly, and with years I was featured in more gigs as I was offering something other than House or Kwaito and with time more DJs joined the bandwagon to play Hip Hop sets.
Karabo: You’re also known for comedy and Master of Ceremonies (MC) work. Where did that start?
MSL Relo: The stage has always felt like home. In high school, Bofihla ‘Neko known as Lilaphalapha, came in and took our drama group to another level. That was when I started seeing my full potential. I was also doing poetry back then and even winning awards for it. At NUL, I met a few like-minded classmates, and we got into stand-up comedy. That led to me hosting Miss NUL, Miss Intervarsity, and more events. After graduating in 2011, I volunteered at Ultimate Radio under Dallas T, and I started to MC and DJ events. One major moment for me was being voted by Basotho as the first Vodacom Superstar TV competition host.
Karabo: You have mentioned working on radio, how long was that?
MSL Relo: That is true, from 2006 to 2011, and then again from 2011 to 2014 at Ultimate Radio. I later joined 357FM during its launch for about a year and a half, then returned to Ultimate Radio. That is where I created a comedy segment called 1 Minute with MSL, it was a big hit, I should say.
Karabo: How would you describe your evolution as a DJ?
MSL Relo: [Laughs] I have been called a “laptop DJ” more times than I can count, but I never let it get to me. People come to the groove to hear good music that fits the mood, not what gear you use. The support I have received from DJs who appreciate my skill set has kept me going because I offered what others cannot or could not even in the rise of Hip Hop and R’n’B Djs. My goal has always been to entertain, not to dwell in the industry politics. I recently added Amapiano to broaden my spectrum. Also, shout out to Scorpio Knight and Cleketseng for recognising my skills, they helped me grow into one of the best stage managers in the country for big events in the country including Cleketseng, Lecholi, ‘Maletsunyane Braai Festival, Vodacom All White, Makhaleng Christmas Party, among others.
Karabo: If you had to choose just one song that truly describes you on sets or performances, what would it be, and why?
MSL Relo: [laughs] Yoh! That would be “It’s a Party” by Busta Rhymes ft. Zhané. That song is everything my sets aim to be. From the first beat, it is like, “Right, right, right, it’s on!” The energy is smooth, fun, and full of movement. You hear Zhané come in singing, “It’s a party, let’s get it on tonight…” and you already know it will be a night to remember. When Busta says, “Let me get down, do my thing …” that is literally what I am about, I step into a venue and there to shift the energy, make people move, forget their worries, and just enjoy. Whether I’m DJing, MCing, or doing stand-up, that same spirit applies.
Karabo: And beyond the decks, what is something that you do?
MSL Relo: I wrote and acted in S’moko Feela, and was part of Mehla ea Fetoha too. I should emphasise that theatre and radio drama are still close to my heart.
Karabo: What inspired you, what was the motivation in all these?
MSL Relo: My motivation was further fuelled by the fact that NUL had more upcoming DJs than anywhere in the country, the likes of Smalls The DJ, Thizozo, Allegro, Skidzo, Detail, D.O.C just to mention a few, hence Roma becoming the center of entertainment during those times.
Karabo: With so many hats, DJ, MC, comedian, writer, how do you decide what to take on?
MSL Relo: Just depends on what I have been booked for at the event, normally when I take bookings I take those that make more sense to me, for MC’ing specifically I like weddings, graduations, cooperates and intimate stuff. With those, I get to MC and do Standup simultaneously.
Karabo: What advice would you give to young people trying to follow your path?
MSL Relo: Do not do this for fame because it will not pay the bills. Stay in school, have a nine-to-five if you must, then hustle for your passion on the side. Fame is a by-product, not the goal. I admire people like Mavele, who are always trying to evolve and serve both themselves and the industry.
Karabo: Are there any current projects we should know about?
MSL Relo: Of course, I am managing three incredibly talented artists right now. Da Lee Ls, Simon Maure, and Quetone. I believe they are going to shake the Afro House, Tech, and 3Step scenes, not just in Lesotho but beyond.
Apart from that, every Thursday I am doing KASI Kota, the Sky next to Masianokeng Lifestyle Centre on Sundays. As for annual events to look for are Econet Lecholi Mountain Drive and Braai Experience, OVO Party at Kasi Kota 25th October, and ‘Maletsunyane Braai Festival.
Karabo: Entertainment in Lesotho is not always easy. What have been your highs and lows?
MSL Relo: The lows? That would definitely be the little or nonexistent fees. But the highs are locking down recurring, major events annually. That is how I know the work is being appreciated.
Karabo: Lastly, where do you see Lesotho’s entertainment industry in 10 years?
MSL Relo: I see us exporting artists, DJs, and producers to South Africa and the global stage, especially in genres like Amapiano and Afro House. The talent is here; we just need to keep pushing.
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