By Matšeliso Phulane
Maru A Pula Art and Modeling Agency celebrated its first anniversary last Saturday, with the company reaffirming its commitment to unearth and promote artistic talents of young Basotho.
Maru A Pula is renowned for promoting diversity, inclusivity and talent in the fashion industry. It was established on 2023 by businessman and politician Mokherane MCT Tsatsanyane, known for his efforts to assist youth to get out of their comfort zone and make use of their talents.
Maru A Pula used the weekend event to showcase the latest trends, designs and styles from both emerging and established designers, featuring a diverse cast of models, cultures and backgrounds.
At least seven fashion designers showcased their work which was displayed by local models and their counterparts from Eswatini.
In an interview with theReporter, Maru A Pula human resource manager Faridah Faysel Essaney (popularly known as Ridah), said the agency does not only focus on modeling but on artistic talents as well such as dancing, acting and poetry.
According to Ridah, the agency was established in response to the high number of children living on the streets, or those idling at home after completing their Lesotho General Certificate of Secondary Education (LGCSE) examinations; many children end up joining gangs and engaging in various criminal activities.
“So, the aim of Maru A Pula was to take those kids off the streets and rescue them from gangsterism so that they could channel their energies towards something they are passionate about, while helping each other to improve their talents and learning from other people,” Ridah explained.
She said in the run-up to the first birthday celebration, the agency encountered challenges such as sponsors pulling out at the last moment.
“However, we never gave up on our quest to stage this event, even if it included forking out money from our own pockets.
“In spite of these challenges, we have achieved some of our targets, like taking some of our models to Botswana and Eswatini; that more or less explains the presence of models from Eswatini here,” she noted.
Maru A Pula has over 100 models, all of whom are Basotho based in the country and in the diaspora.
Meanwhile, musician Bonolo Lekeno who joined Maru A Pula in 2023, recalled that she initially had dreams of shooting to stardom instantly but she has since wised up to the reality that it takes time, effort and patience to get to the top.
Lekeno told this publication that she sings different beats, but gospel is her genre of choice.
She indicated that she had to contend with challenges such as people advising her to leave Maru A Pula, because of their distrust for Tsatsanyane.
“That was a sticky situation that I found myself in, but I soldiered on and, after one year with the agency, I can confidently say I am on the right course and my career is in safe hands. I have no complaints, honestly.
“Through Maru A Pula I want to see myself travelling abroad to countries like America and UK. I want to see the world and gain global recognition as a Mosotho girl,” Lekeno cooed with delight.
In conclusion, she thanked Tsatsanyane for identifying her talent, and advised other young people to join the agency because it is the best way to thrive.
She also encourages parents to allow their children to explore the art industry so they do not end up in bad company and succumbing to peer pressure.
