The Lesotho Music Awards (LMAs) are fast approaching, with the much-anticipated event set to take place on November 29 at Victory Hall in Maseru.
The brainchild founder and Vice Chairperson, Malibe Rethabisitsoe Mahao, said the LMAs have been a driving force in recognizing and celebrating musical talent across the country.
Mahao revealed to the Weekly Observer that the concept for the awards was born out of a personal need for a creative challenge. “I was looking for something beyond academics to keep me engaged,” he shared. “That’s when I came up with the idea of the LMAs.” Officially brought to life on July 3, 2023, at Thaba Bosiu, the awards have quickly made their mark on Lesotho’s entertainment landscape.
While this year’s edition might feature fewer nominees due to time constraints, Mahao is confident that the audience will be larger than ever before. “Normally, we have three months of voting period, but we couldn’t afford that luxury this time,” he said. “This year’s event is about damage control, but we’re going all out to make it the best we’ve had so far.”
One of the challenges, Mahao noted, has been securing government support, which he says depends heavily on personal connections. “The government helps to a certain extent, but it’s often about who you know,” he explained. Despite these obstacles, Mahao has managed to keep the awards going, even self-funding much of the initiative when sponsorship fell short.
Looking to the future, Mahao is optimistic. He envisions the LMAs becoming a cornerstone of the local music industry, with more consistent events and increased opportunities for artists. “In five years, we hope to have more collaborations with companies and create initiatives that push the industry forward,” he said.
Mahao also touched on the importance of protecting Intellectual Property (IP) in the creative industry. He urged artists to copyright their work, emphasizing that it could provide financial security for future generations. “Your IP can serve your family long after you’re gone if it’s properly protected,” he advised.
As the Lesotho Music Awards continue to grow, Mahao’s vision of empowering local artists is already inspiring other initiatives in the country. “Seeing other awards shows emerge after ours is proof that we are on the right path,” he remarked.
With excitement building and the promise of a spectacular night ahead, the LMAs are set to shine a spotlight on Lesotho’s thriving music scene. Victory Hall will soon be the place where dreams come true for the nation’s brightest talents.
