Matṥekha Art Choir will celebrate courage and cultural creativity aligned with 200 years of the Basotho nation, at an event set to take place in Maseru West tomorrow afternoon
Matṥekha Art Choir was founded last year by fine art artist Sechaba Nyenye Masopha, who was born at Maputsoe but is currently based in Cape Town, South Africa.
The choir consists of 15 men from Bela-Bela who sing ‘Mangae’ (traditional initiation school music), and other traditional music except famo, mainly for art exhibitions. Besides singers, it also comprises visual artists who paint and videographers.
This kind of music ‘Setṥekha’, from the name ‘Matṥekha’, is said to be more artistically distinct. It is a way in which individuals express themselves or show oneness since they come from the same community.
In an interview with theReporter this week, Masopha said the main reason for the formation of Matṥekha was to create opportunities in Basotho culture and music because people in other countries always showcase their cultures and artwork; such opportunities are not always found in the country.
As a result, Masopha wanted to come up with something unique to showcase in other countries, which would benefit him and other Basotho.
“Through selling my work overseas, where I also take part in exhibitions, I thought of ways of how I could set myself apart from other artists with my artwork since I focus on painting while at the same time being a musician.
“So, I came here last year and formed this choir with men who can sang ‘Mangae’ and shared with them the aim and the vision behind its formation. After that, we created the first documentary film about how the group was formed.
“This year we shot the second documentary and the aim was that, after completing it, we would go to Cape Town for an exhibition. However, we wanted to start it here hence this one (exhibition) coming tomorrow whose aim is to raise funds in the process.
“People can expect Basotho portraits (artworks). We will also see the legendary Meshu Mokitimi who is also billed to showcase his work. Apart from that, there will be two film viewings as well as performances by Matṥekha Art Choir.
A kiddies’ corner by Red Events and Pizza will also be available.
“The ultimate aim is to see the choir performing in theatres, museums and galleries. Exposing indigenous Sesotho music and creating captivate audience in international art galleries; it has never happened for Basotho to reach that standard with their culture,” Masopha observed.
For more details, people can contact Masopha on +266 62478871 or +266 63146446. Tickets are available at PicknPay for M 200 adults and M 20- kids.
