By Mosa Matela
Lesotho’s own Omali Themba, in collaboration with musician Crazy T, will tomorrow release a single titled ‘Phehla’.
The club banger is tipped to be a fan favourite both in and outside the country.
When speaking of the success of Lesotho’s entertainment industry, one would be committing a great injustice by not mentioning 24-year-old Rethabile Cassuel ‘Nai who is professionally known as Omali Themba.
‘Nai was born in Gauteng, South Africa but was raised in Maseru, Lesotho.
Since 2019, ‘Nai has been signed under Sothokids Culture Modelling Agency, which specialises in the promotion of Sesotho Culture around the world. He dropped his first five-track EP upon signing to the agency, and has been since been making history in the entertainment industry.
‘Nai was inspired by the Kommanda Obbs-led crew, Lithuamajoe, who he hails for making authentic and cool Sesotho music, without kowtowing to the pressure of writing English-based music like other artists at the time.
When asked about the biggest challenges he faces as a Lesotho based artist, here is what ‘Nai had to say: “Most promoters continue to belittle our crafts in comparison to international artists.”
This makes it hard for him and other local artists to promote their work and also to get engaged and acknowledged for their craft.
Since he set out, ‘Nai has been able to collaborate with a number of successful Lesotho based artists and also managed to make a name for himself both locally and globally.
‘Nai is currently in New York in the United States of America where he will be performing at two separate gigs. His trip was sponsored by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
As an authentic Sesotho song-writer and performer, he will be showcasing his talent at a side event to be held at the United Nations (UN) in New York.
When asked about the inspiration behind the song, ‘Nai told this publication that ‘Phehla’ is his way of communicating with people who are currently head-over-heels in love and to assure them that the way they feel is valid.
“I want them to know that it is okay for them to feel a way they’ve never felt about someone before and they should see it as a sign of growth and as reassurance that they belong,” he said.
‘Nai aims to make it big and hopes that one day his name will be one of the first to be mentioned whenever anyone from around the world mentions African music.
The song will be available across all digital platforms.
