In a country where many musicians still struggle for visibility, recognition, and industry support, gospel artist and entrepreneur Rorisang Motsamai is determined to help reshape the future of Lesotho’s music and creative industry.
Widely respected as one of Lesotho’s sought-after gospel music exports, Motsamai has spent years building his name through inspirational music, live performances, and a consistent commitment to the gospel genre.
However, beyond the microphone and recording studio lies a bigger vision, one focused on building sustainable platforms for artists and professionalising the local music space.
That vision gave birth to Melodious Music, a creative venture he co-founded alongside fellow gospel sensation Tšepo Kherenchane. Together, the pair has emerged as influential figures working to elevate and structure the entertainment industry in Lesotho.
“Our focus has always been the growth of the music industry and upgrading the approach of the music world in Lesotho into honoring artists,” said Motsamai.
The duo is also the driving force behind the National Music Awards, an initiative launched in 2024 to celebrate artistic excellence across various music genres in Lesotho. The awards have quickly become one of the country’s most talked-about entertainment platforms, providing musicians with long-overdue national recognition.
For Motsamai, the awards are not simply about trophies and glamour, but about restoring dignity and value to musicians who dedicate their lives to entertaining and inspiring society.
“My team and I looked into developing a concept that will be for generations, bringing more focus into honoring those who spend sleepless nights composing songs, spending money, going to stages and making music for households,” he explained.
Having spent years navigating the realities of the music industry himself, Motsamai says his journey as an artist exposed him to the many gaps that still exist within the sector.
“I gained experience, though it was a tough one, looking into ventures of how musicians can be well appreciated for their craft, which opens more doors locally and internationally,” he said.
His partnership with Kherenchane has also proven instrumental in shaping their shared ambitions for the industry. Both artists, deeply rooted in gospel music, continue to use their experiences to guide the direction of Melodious Music and the National Music Awards.
“I strongly believe in the growth that we have as people directly involved in the music industry. I also believe in our dream because most of the time we sit and discuss the vision,” said Motsamai.
Despite the progress, challenges remain. He points to the shortage of established record labels in Lesotho and the struggles many independent artists face in distributing and monetising their work.
“One of the most difficult things is that there are few record labels in Lesotho. Most musicians are independent and struggle to distribute their music,” he noted.
However, he believes emerging industry structures and collaborations with institutions are beginning to create solutions for local artists. Motsamai highlighted the role of LESCOSAA, which he says is working to support Basotho artists with assistance from the Ministry of Tourism, Sports, Arts and Culture.
While he admits the journey has not been easy, Motsamai remains optimistic about the future.
“I’m slowly getting there, as it’s one of the most difficult careers one would choose. But with the favor of God Almighty, I’m coping and winning,” he said.
Looking ahead, the gospel artist and entrepreneur hopes his contribution to the industry will inspire future generations of Basotho musicians to dream bigger.
“I’m hoping for bigger things, like being recognized as one of the leading industry leaders taking the music industry to greater heights. I also hope to see young artists achieve their goals as well,” he said.
Summary
- In a country where many musicians still struggle for visibility, recognition, and industry support, gospel artist and entrepreneur Rorisang Motsamai is determined to help reshape the future of Lesotho’s music and creative industry.
- “Our focus has always been the growth of the music industry and upgrading the approach of the music world in Lesotho into honoring artists,” said Motsamai.
- The duo is also the driving force behind the National Music Awards, an initiative launched in 2024 to celebrate artistic excellence across various music genres in Lesotho.
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