Celebrated journalist, radio host, and communications specialist Mopeli Chris Theko has won the Best Music Journalist Award at the 2025 Lesotho Music Awards (LMA).
The accolade recognises his outstanding contribution to documenting and promoting Lesotho’s music and creative industries over nearly a decade.
Theko, who has become a familiar voice and name in entertainment circles, attended the event as one of the evening’s masters of ceremony, not expecting to walk away with an award himself.
“I actually walked into that event as an MC and walked out as an award winner,” he said soon after his victory last week. “It was a special and humbling surprise. A part of me had a quiet sense of anticipation because my work over the years has really spoken for itself.”
For Theko, the honour carries deep meaning. He said music journalism often takes place behind the scenes, with little public recognition, yet plays an essential role in shaping the music landscape.
He said this award signals that the industry sees and values the contribution of storytellers, as well as validates the commitment to factual, consistent, and balanced storytelling that uplifts Basotho creatives.
Theko has spent years highlighting the diverse sounds and artists that make up Lesotho’s evolving music scene.
He believes music is an inseparable part of Basotho identity, and his mission has always been to document that culture while creating a bridge between artists and audiences.
“Music has always been a core part of who we are. I wanted to celebrate that and give our artists the visibility they deserve,” he noted.
Theko recalled a recent question-and-answer feature with Ntate Stunna as one of his favourite interviews, describing it as “a reflection of the artist’s growth and the wider transformation of Lesotho’s music.”
He also expressed excitement about the new wave of artists reshaping the industry, citing Litšepe LR, Phoka Ea Boroa, HBK, Qhomane, and Fifi Ngoana Mosotho as examples of musicians fusing authentic Sesotho storytelling with modern beats.
“That kind of fusion positions Lesotho well on the global stage. It’s where cultural authenticity meets innovation,” he explained.
Beyond traditional journalism, Theko is venturing into multimedia storytelling, experimenting with podcasts, short documentaries, and digital features to reach broader audiences. He is also actively engaged with the United Nations Lesotho SDG Advancement Programme, advocating for the creative industries as catalysts for employment and sustainable development.
“The creative sector is a powerful driver for social and economic change. If nurtured well, it can provide opportunities for young people and help redefine Lesotho’s global image,” he said.
Looking ahead, Theko plans to focus more on the business side of music, exploring how artists can thrive financially while maintaining artistic integrity.
He also hopes to expand his work through regional collaborations, sharing Lesotho’s musical stories across southern Africa and beyond.
“The future will involve deeper investigative coverage, more critical reviews, and collaborative storytelling. We need to tell our stories boldly and on our own terms,” he indicated.
Reflecting on his journey, Theko emphasised that integrity and persistence remain his guiding principles.
“Consistency matters, credibility is earned, and the music industry thrives when its storytellers are as committed as its artists.
“This award strengthens my commitment to report with precision, fairness, and passion — it motivates me to raise the bar even higher for myself and for the field,” he added.
