By Lerato Matheka
MASERU — The rains that pounded the capital on Saturday failed to dampen the spirits of the nearly 2 000 music lovers who turned out for the Lesotho Charity Show at Maseru Club.
Even Zolani Mahola of the South African group Freshlyground concluded the turnout was awesome.
“Lesotho is a beautiful country with amazing people,” Zolani told the Weekender after their performance at the concert.
Freshlyground performed hits from their latest album, Radio Africa, which has been causing waves in South Africa and abroad.
They also played popular tracks such as Ma’cheri and Nomvula before closing their set with the World Cup song Waka Waka.
“Our performance in Lesotho comes at a time of our southern Africa tour to promote our Radio Africa album,” Zolani said.
“We have travelled to Namibia and now Lesotho. We are banned from Zimbabwe so we will be in South Africa for a while now.”
The concert, organised by local businessman These Phooko, was meant to raise funds for underprivileged but bright students.
The show was also intended to mark Phooko’s birthday.
He turned 50 on October 22.
Tsepo Tshola was joined on stage by his sons, Katleho and Kamohelo, to sing Happy Birthday for the Thescons and Times Caffe owner.
The legendary musician, affectionately known as the Village Pope, took the crowd down memory lane by belting out Akobutle and Now or Never among his yesteryear hits.
Jazz star Bhudaza Mapefane also had the crowd shaking off the chill with a playlist that included hits from his award-winning album, Likhomo.
South Africa’s DJ Vetkoek vs Mahoota and Costa from Bloemfontein had the revellers going gaga when they hit the decks.
Because of the rain, the show only roared into life around 7pm — five hours after the scheduled starting time.
Limpho raised the curtains with jazzy sounds before Yassin set the stage on fire with his Michael Jackson dance moves.
He was followed by the energetic Vodacom dancers before the night’s real business started.
