Nthatuoa Koeshe
HARAMBEE Global Concerts says it expects to fill the 15 000-seater Setsoto Stadium to the rafters when it hosts the Local Annual Music Experience (LAMEX) on 26 December 2019.
Dubbed #FillUpSetsotoStadium, LAMEX will feature the best home-grown talent in genres including Afro-jazz, gospel, famo, kwaito and hip-hop among others.
Harambee Global Concerts was founded in the 1990s by Masitise Seleso and veteran musicians who used to be part of the iconic Sankomota; the late Frank Leepa, Tshepo Tshola and the late music promoter Tšiu Monne.
The company focused on music promotion in Lesotho and South Africa aiming to take local talent to the global level. The company hosted several shows up to 2002 and they took a break due to lack of funding.
Harambee Global Concerts chairperson, Masitise Seleso, said LAMEX aims to encourage locals to appreciate local music.
He said his organisation has now decided to launch LAMEX as an annual event to honour local musicians.
“As a music promotion and recording company, Harambee Global Concerts will also use the platform to officially relaunch its activities in Lesotho,” Seleso said.
“The invasion of our music space by artistes from other countries on local radio stations as well as during live performances have dealt a heavy blow to the local artistes who rely on music for survival.
“We intend to counter-balance this anomaly by introducing LAMEX as an event that people can look forward to on Boxing Day annually.”
Among the performing artistes will be Bhudaza, Mashibi, Tshitso, Pitso Ramakhula and Origins, Mongali Nthako, Sipho Lukhele, Kamohelo Tshola, Majisto, Mystic Margin, Nkosi and four other surprise artistes.
The famo genre will be headlined by Apollo Ntabanyane, Puseletso Seema and Mojalihloho.
According to Masitise, the inclusion of famo on the line-up will give a true reflection of the diversity of local musical styles.
High-flying Tšepe rapper Kommanda Obbs, who plie his trade in South Africa, will lead the hip-hop category. Thebe, Roach, KopanoTheFirst, Juvy, Megahertz, El-Tore, WhyDe, Tao Tash, Sy and Tieho will also perform in this category.
There will also be gospel performances from Bishop Joey Mofoleng, Tshepiso Mpotle, Tehillah, Yada Praise, Sway, Neo Matee, Molupe, JC Crew and Acapella Moments will be part of this category.
Reggae and Dancehall artistes C-Jo, Don Dada, Deda and Maxzhe will also perform at the show.
