Sounds of Home: 6 Songs by Basotho Artists to Add to Your Playlist This Week.
Featuring 2knala, KULO, Zaru Aura, Malichelete, Palesa Sehoai and Lisa M.
Sounds of Home, a subsection of our newsletter in which we highlight fresh music from Lesotho through candid interviews with our local musicians and playlists for your listening pleasure.
You deserve to experience the many voices that make up the fabric of Lesotho’s music scene. There is something magical about bumping into a voice, a song, an artist that beautifully shakes up the familiarity of your regular playlist. From recent releases to songs you might already know but haven't listened to in a while, this fourth instalment of ‘Sounds of Home’ compiles songs from an assortment of genres and a talented pool of Basotho artists.
Here they are, in no particular order.
Listen and enjoy! 💟🎶
“I see you” - 2knala
With a voice that can be described as both smooth and alluring, 2knala brings us the fresh track “I see you” and it’s a vibe! Allow yourself to sway and even whine, if you feel led, to this laidback tune.
2knala’s 2022 single no fightin reveals her gravitation towards experimental sounds while 4U (FOR YOU) exposes you to her honest approach to songwriting. There is truly so much to look forward to from this young artist!
“Baby Let Me Drive” - KULO
“Baby Let Me Drive” is the pop & reggae infused track by KULO and honestly, the perfect way to debut a single.
There is something refreshingly exciting about KULO’s artistry that comes through in this release. It’s the rich vocal layering. It’s those Minnie Ripperton-like high notes that she sprinkles so effortlessly at the beginning and end of the song. It’s even the aesthetic choices she makes not only on the cover art but also in promo visuals like this one. Blast it through your speakers and move with the riddim!
“Pula” - Malichelete
Ke Malichete, o pusha spane, is right! It’s been nothing short of remarkable to witness the work this artist has put into exploring the possibilites of her voice and her sound. In “Pula”, Malichelete’s Sesotho flows so beautifully — showcasing a unique linguistic prowess and a storytelling that feels courageously personal, which makes repeating this song at least three times in one sitting the only apt way to respond!
“Reminiscing” - Zaru Aura
Zaru Aura always has a way of spinning melodies and words that feel very close to what a long and deep hug would be if it were poetry. This Neo-Soul artist has consistently offered us buoyant jams like “I am worthy” & “Ke Naleli”, all set to the visual world of PaperCut films.
“Reminiscing” is a mellow and sincere track that could easily be the backdrop to a slow, candlelit afternoon after a long day of work.
“She... Tloho Ke U Sebele” - Palesa Sehoai
Palesa Sehoai ’s recent offering is jazzy, smooth and velvety and it continues to introduce us to this multifaceted artist, composer and instrumentalist. Since her release of “Abuti Thabiso” about a year ago, there is absolutely no way that one could not antipate (with patience) all that her warm, inviting and assured voice would continue to offer. And looks like the patience is paying off because Palesa Sehoai dishing out other songs like “Sika la Thole” as she prepares us for her upcoming album. What a time!
“Floating” - Lisa M
With a honeyed and an incredibly dynamic voice, Lisa M is a powerhouse. She has sung alongside the jazz and gospel musician Mookho Moqhali at 2024’s LETOFE and delivered so many other stellar live performances in settings such as Tiny Library Concerts.
“Floating” is Lisa M’s valentine release - a tender ballad that celebrates “the lovers the dreamers, and those that never stop believing in love.”
Check ‘Sounds of Home’ from our past issues.
 | A guest post by
|