By Neo Kolane
Local producer and curator, Mpho Molikeng will be hosting a show titled Lesotho Virtual Musical Show from November 16 to 20.
The show will be shot on location at Makhoarane, Morija and will streamed online for the world to enjoy via quicket.co.za.
Mpho disclosed that the show aims to teach both Basotho and the world about the important craft of Basotho/Lesotho in the age of technology, in order to aid preserve it and start a conversation regarding the cultures and heritage of the world.
Mpho, who is the brains behind the show, said the show conisist of five amazing women: Mpumi Mokhoro, Tšebeletso ‘Neko, Mosa Ramosa, Khothatso Kokoropo and Katleho Mokhoro, who sing, dance, play drums, do praise-poetry as well as some grinding in the show.
Mpho revealed that a song called ‘Pina EA Tšiloane’ will be premiered on the show.
He said it will be the first time the song is played and heard.
Having worked extensively in the music industry for over two decades, Mpho said in 2016, Music In Africa (musicinafrica.net) portal asked few writers to do articles on the music of Lesotho across all genres.
He responded by writing a few articles on the traditional music, one of which on lullabies and music of the grinding stone (Pina Ea Tšiloana).
The Sesotho culture advocate said in ancient Africa, Lesotho in particular, women started their day by first grinding food for their families. This, he said, is one of the crafts that helped shape Lesotho and Basotho as a nation, and it was also used as a measure of a woman’s worth.
“This mundane activity led hto women composing songs to help them cope better with daily challenges. Their compositions ranged family matters, politics of the villages and rocking a baby to sleep.
“Food grinding was an art that was passed from mother to daughter. Some of the stuff that women ground included maize, millet, wheat, salt and snuff,” he said.
Mpho told this publication that ‘Pina Ea Tšiloana’ is one song that will help Basotho reclaim that which makes them who they are, and it also caters for cultural enthusiasts.
You can book your ticket via quicket.co.za
