Pheello Mosesi
The Lesotho Spring Music Conference (LSMC) is set to light up Maseru from September 20-21 at the State Library in Maseru.
Conceived to propel the Lesotho music industry onto the global stage, this event promises to be a pivotal moment for Basotho artistes seeking to break into the international market.
The LSMC was born from the vision of Sechaba ‘SirSchaba’ Mokoqo, the former president of the Lesotho Music Rights Association (LMRA). In a recent interview, SirSchaba shared his insights and aspirations for the two-day conference.
“The goal of the conference is to bridge the gap between the Lesotho music industry and the larger Southern African Development Community (SADC) region, and ultimately, the global market,” said SirSchaba.
He highlighted that the music scene in Lesotho is largely informal and stressed the need for a more professional approach.
“Through this initiative, we aim to bring professionals and experts from various fields to share their skills with local artists,” he added.
The conference will feature in-depth discussions about the music industry, from local perspectives to global trends. The focus will be on finding effective strategies for Basotho artistes to navigate the global market while ensuring that the Lesotho music industry remains a sustainable enterprise.
Reflecting on the conference’s journey over the past eight years, SirSchaba expressed pride in its achievements.
“One of our biggest successes is becoming part of the SADC Music Markets and Conferences circuit. This recognition means we are acknowledged as an official music market in the region, granting us more access and support from larger conferences,” he noted.
This recognition opens doors for local music creators to showcase their talents in other countries, providing a significant opportunity for Basotho artistes to gain international exposure.
In alignment with the 200-year celebration of the Basotho nation, this year’s conference will include a special showcase of traditional music.
“We have invited five Limpopo Traditional Music Groups, supported by the Limpopo government, to participate in this momentous event. We will also feature performances by Basotho traditional groups,” said SirSchaba.
He further explained that the collaboration with Limpopo presents a cultural exchange opportunity. “The Limpopo government sees this as a chance for cross-country cultural exchange, and we hope to invite Basotho artistes to Limpopo next year,” he added.
The LSMC aims to be a catalyst for change and growth in the promising Lesotho music industry. It offers a unique platform for all stakeholders in the music sector to benefit from new opportunities and insights.
Since its inception in 2017, the LSMC has hosted numerous familiar faces and voices in the music industry. This year’s event will also include the lively and entertaining Lesotho Spring Music Conference Street Festival Unplugged, featuring performances from local talents like King Moses and Maru Gang.
With its focus on growth, collaboration, and cultural exchange, the Lesotho Spring Music Conference is poised to be a transformative force in the Lesotho music industry, helping local artists to navigate the challenges of the global market while celebrating their rich cultural heritage.
