Chris Theko
Rethabile Cassuel ‘Nai stole the show on New Year’s Eve after two of his songs made it to the top charts in the country as the best songs of the year in two different local radio stations.
His song SBWL was become song of the year on Bokamoso 974 FM while his other single Botle Bo Bokalo featuring Morena Sway earned same accolades on Ultimate Radio for the year just ended.
Both the songs were released in November 2021, though SBWL was released only for radio but with such positive reception that it made its way to the top as the listeners’ choice for song of the year.
The 24-year-old songwriter and singer known by his stage name Omali Theba, said he has always known that his style of music was unique enough to capture the attention and love of Basotho.
“In as much as I did not expect the songs to perform so well and be this appreciated, I have always known that my style of music would definitely speak to the masses in the country and beyond,†Omali Themba said.
His music is described as Afropop with a touch of the west.
His debut EP did well although he was distributing it for free under the title ‘Metso Ea Setso’ back in 2019. This was a five-track project that had powerful and personal songs like ‘Motho ke ntho e joang?’ and ‘Koli-ea-malla’ amongst others.
The EP came after he was signed under Sotho Kids Culture Modeling Angency in 2019.
“After I decided to really pursue a career in music I approached Makhebe Seatlana with the Metso Ea Setso EP and he loved it, safe to say the rest was history and now we are working towards the second EP.
“From the two singles I have already put out you can tell that indeed my sound is different hence I am gradually introducing it to the masses,†he said.
Since coming onto the scene, Omali Themba has collaborated with some big names of the industry such as Lerumo la Koebe, Abuti Thato (formerly known as KI) and Morena Sway.
“The reception I have been getting from other well established artists and the public is overwhelming. It is amazing how people love and understand my music, it is all God’s doing.
“I do not think both my songs being cross over songs on different radio stations in the country is by luck, it is God and my hard work is starting to pay off,†said Omali Themba.
The artist is working on an EP that is set for release in March and the two singles are part of the project which is said to feature ten tracks on it. He stated that the EP is his way of introducing himself not only to Basotho but to the entire continent.
