‘Chelete ea make-up’ hit maker, Monamoli ‘Ntate Milo’ Mahlekele has announced the signing of three international artists from Kwazulu-Natal in South Africa to his record label, Milo Music Productions.
The acclaimed artist who hails from Qacha’s Nek is also on the verge of releasing a new song.
Mahlekele is a pioneering artist who ventured into a unique fusion of Sesotho traditional music “Famo” with hip hop elements, despite its relative obscurity when he began his musical journey in 2013.
His approach to preserving and modernising this traditional genre gained momentum through his collaboration work with a young hip hop artist, Qhomane.
Through this partnership, Mahlekele has successfully carved out his distinctive niche in the music industry, where he continues to thrive by bridging the gap between Sesotho musical heritage and contemporary hip hop culture.
Mahlekele described his collaboration with Qhomane on the track titled ‘Chelete ea make up’ as pivotal in catapulting him to fame.
The song’s success has not only propelled him to the top of music charts, but also secured him performances at major local and international events.
Furthermore, his participation in the Isingoma shows on DStv 321 and the SABC1 South African Traditional Music Awards (SATMA) has boosted his visibility. This exposure led to recognition from international artists, who subsequently chose to sign with his label.
“Kolo from Pietermaritzburg, Udoti from Durban, and Qhawe from Umsinga recently contacted me through my TikTok account, expressing their admiration for my music and recognising the potential they see in me.
“They expressed a keen interest in signing with my label right from the outset, as they are also passionate about traditional music. Additionally, they asked me for an opportunity to collaborate on my new album titled ‘Selota sa poho 2.0,’ which is set to be released soon, along with two other projects scheduled for release in the next two weeks,” Makhekele said.
He revealed that in addition to his upcoming album, he will be releasing a new song titled “Sesfikie”, which translates to “we have arrived” signifies his successful journey in the music industry despite the challenges he faced.
Through this song, Mahlelele aims to inspire and motivate young aspiring artists who may feel discouraged, reassuring them that perseverance will eventually lead them to success.
“I am thrilled to have this opportunity to collaborate with international artists, as it will not only enhance my existing experience, but also open up new avenues for growth. This collaboration will provide me with greater opportunities to perform at larger international events and gigs,” Makhekele added.
