Maseru-born R&B artist Thorela Tsikoane, known by his stage name Thorii, has made his official entry into the music scene with the release of his debut extended play (EP) titled From Maseru with Love.
The 24-year old musician, who trained in sound engineering at the Academy of Sound Engineering (where?), says the project is both a love letter to his hometown and the beginning of a lifelong journey in music.
Thorii grew up in a family of music enthusiasts, a background he credits for shaping his passion.
“I started showing interest in music when I was very young. In grade five, I auditioned for a local competition, and even though I didn’t win, the experience pushed me to keep going,” he recalled.
Thorii’s first recording came in 2016 with a self-produced track that highlighted his lyrical ability and vocal strength.
Over the years, he refined his sound and gradually built a following, driven by persistence and creativity.
“Today, I continue to chase my dreams while hoping my story inspires others to believe in theirs,” he said.
In 2017, he co-founded a collective called Stars Aligning, teaming up with like-minded artists to experiment with fresh sounds. Their music, distributed on platforms like Spotify, exposed them to international audiences. That step helped them expand their fan base and prove that artists from Maseru can compete on global stages, he noted.
The title of his EP, From Maseru with Love, reflects Thorii’s desire to showcase where he comes from, adding that he wants to put Maseru on the map and this project is his way of saying, ‘here I am, and here is my story’.
The EP, which he describes as the ’first chapter’ of his musical book, blends smooth vocals with soulful storytelling. Each song, he says, carries personal meaning and represents a piece of his journey so far.
“Every track on this EP still resonates with me today. It’s a project I’m proud of because it reflects both my struggles and triumphs,” he noted.
Looking ahead, Thorii has promised that the next instalment will be even bolder. “I see each EP as a new chapter. The next one will take listeners deeper into my world, and I guarantee it will exceed expectations,” he teased.
With From Maseru with Love, Thorii positions himself not just as an artist, but as a storyteller intent on carrying the voice of Maseru to a global audience.
