By Seleoe Nonyane
Lesotho’s very own afro pop artist Rethabile Cassuel Nai, famously known by his stage name Omali Themba has earned Sothokids culture agency artist of the year award.
The award was grabbed by the artist last Sunday in a steamy ceremony in Maseru.
The afro pop star was nominated with other four nominees and came out victorious.
Nai was privileged to be nominated in the artist of the year category being that he is an artist and a model signed under the Sothokids culture agency. Sothokids agency was propelled to hold the award ceremony as a way to encourage its models to work hard individually and to give a pat on the shoulder to those that have been focused and doing well thus far.
“I was overjoyed when they shouted my name and announced me as the winner, considering that I have never won an award before. This proves that my work is being acknowledged and this means a great deal to me.” Nai remarked.
Talking to theReporter, he observed that what may have contributed in him standing out among other nominees is the effort he has been putting in his work and delivering tirelessly. He added that his personality may have worked at his advantage.
The award winner began singing in 2012 while still in secondary school.
During that time, he would sing other artists’ songs that were a joy to those who attended his shows. The audience highly welcomed his performance.
That forced him to pursue a career in music.
Omali produces afro pop sounds in a form of love songs using his native language Sesotho.
Some of the tracks he has released are Botle bo bokaalo and Sbwl which are making rounds among Basotho.
“I consider my breakthrough song to be Botle bo bokaalo as it was the most popular and people recognized my talent through the song,” he remarked.
His plan is to releas an album in the near future.
Tackling on the challenges he has come across, he mentioned that event organizers book artist for free which stifles and kills the music industry. However, he has acquired a manager who works hard to ensure that his work is not taken for granted.
