Monica Koose
Mohalenyane Phakela
NEWLY-FORMED modeling agency, Mo-Angels and Sesotho Cultural Agency, has lined up a number of activities to showcase and promote Basotho culture over the course of the year.
The agency will on Saturday hold its launch ceremony at the royal house in Thaba Bosiu on Saturday. The launch event will also coincide with Thaba Bosiu Principal Chief Khoabane Theko’s birthday celebrations.
A number of cultural activities are lined up during the launch ceremony such as the Mokhibo dance, modelling of traditional attire, performance of Sesotho poems and a fun walk.
According to Mo-Angels and Sesotho Cultural Agency founder and director, Monica Koose, their intention was to foster appreciation for Basotho fashion and culture.
“During our launch event scheduled for Saturday, we will showcase various Seshoeshoe and other traditional garb,” she said.
“Our models will showcase an array of locally-made traditional outfits.”
Koose said the agency was established in May this year, and based at the BNP Centre in Maseru. She said they already signed up 20 female models through which they intend to promote Sesotho culture.
“The fashion we adopted from other countries has become more dominant than our own cultural outfits. As a result, some Basotho wear traditional attire from other countries during cultural activities, and this shows that our heritage is dying,” Koose said.
“Our aim is to host various traditionally-themed events to instill patriotism among Basotho, especially the youth, and also other residents of Lesotho.”
Chipping in, assistant director and model agent, Makalang Justin Mokere, said their activities were also meant to promote tourism, and in turn create employment for the youth.
“Tourism is one of the key sectors that can reduce the high rate of unemployment in the nation. So we not only intent to bring entertainment to the people, but foster job-creation too through various activities,” said Mokere.
“Although we have so far signed girls only, we intend to include male models and other stakeholders in the cultural sector.”
The agency has also lined up a male heritage pageant next month and a cultural fashion show later this year.
