In a bold effort to preserve tradition while embracing innovation, Mountain Range Motpics Record Label is blending the rich sounds of traditional Sesotho music with modern influences – ensuring cultural resonance in today’s evolving music scene.
During an insightful interview with theReporter, Katleho Lephema, the director of Mountain Range Motpics shared the vision behind the label’s mission. Although their official releases began in 2025, many of their artists have been perfecting their craft since as early as 2015.
Lephema voiced concerns about the fading prominence of traditional music, often overshadowed by the surging popularity of contemporary genres like modern hip-hop. Yet, rather than seeing this as a threat, the label recognises an opportunity: to merge both worlds and cultivate a new sound – one that honours Sesotho heritage while capturing the attention of modern listeners.
“This fusion is essential to the Basotho identity,” Lephema emphasized. “As much as we evolve as a nation, we still connect through culture.”
The label’s unique sound features traditional instruments such as the accordion and drums, infusing a vibrant tempo that allows artists to flex their lyrical abilities. The smooth tones of the ‘mamokhorong instrument provide a versatile foundation for creativity, encouraging singers to push their artistic boundaries.
Incorporating musical styles like Korotlane, traditionally performed during celebratory gatherings, the label is also reviving iconic Sesotho dances – Ntlamo and Mohobelo for men, and Mokhibo for women.
This cultural revival not only showcases the richness of Sesotho traditions but also elevates them for new generations. One of the label’s biggest challenges was selecting artists who truly resonate with this vision.
“Finding the right artists who share this passion was crucial,” Lephema shared. “We were looking for those committed to storytelling through music.”
To test their new sound, the label launched Cypher featuring four artists – which was met with overwhelmingly positive feedback from audiences. The response validated their direction and fuelled the director’s ambition to further develop this groundbreaking genre.
Inspired by the distinct style of urban famo musician Relebohile Monaphathi, popularly known as Sannere, and the deep affection it has earned within the Basotho community, Lephema remains optimistic.
He believes that with continued exploration of unique sounds, this genre has the potential to become one of Africa’s most influential musical movements.
At its core, this journey is rooted in love, loyalty, and cultural self-awareness – ensuring that Sesotho music not only survives, but thrives, in the modern musical landscape.
