Mohalenyane Phakela
BUTHA-BUTHE based Famo musician, Together oa Butha-Buthe, is already in studio cooking a Lesotho Times themed song which he will launch during the Lesotho Times FanFest scheduled for Setsoto Stadium on the 3rd of next month.
In an interview with the Weekender this week, Together oa Butha-Buthe said that he felt honoured to be considered by such a “huge publication” hence he felt the need to dedicate a song to the newspaper.
To demonstrate his excitement, the singer even sang a few lines one of which goes: “Ngoana tsa mo nrekela Lesotho Times ke tlo bala…” which can be loosely translated to say “child to go and buy him a copy of the Lesotho Times I want to read”.
“I first met the Lesotho Times team during His Majesty King Letsie II’s birthday celebrations in Butha-Buthe on 17 July 2018 where I sent the masses into a frenzy,” Together said.
“When they called me to perform at the stadium I got so excited for I could think of the magnitudes which would be there. I did not know at the time that they had such as a massive line-up. It is only Fatere whom I have shared the stage with but I am greatly looking forward to sharing the stage with the rest.
“Whenever I am called to perform, I always tell myself that I am not doing it for myself but for the masses and I always give it my all. People who have seen me in action know I never disappoint and I am not intending to start at this festival.
“I am currently recording a song about Lesotho Times track which I am sure will set the stadium on fire that day. Fans can also expect hits such as Chomi ea Bana, Happy Birthday Motlotlehi, Koetla and Joale ke mokhoa bona among others.”
Together oa Butha-Buthe will be among hordes of local acts billed to perform at the festival. The list includes Smooth, Katz, Mtsuzi, Counter Force, Charma Exzit, Kopper, Bootz, DJ Dimo and Sway among others.
The legendary Oliver Mtukuzi (Zimbabwe) and Lesotho’s very own Tshepo Tshola as well as Fatere will also hit perform at the event.
South African acts such as AKA, Kwesta, Nasty C, Trompies, Thebe, Prince Kaybee, Sho Madjozi, Lerato Kganyago, Amanda Black, Thami, Lady Zamar and several others will also grace the stage.
Ms Kiva will be co-hosting the Lesotho Times’ over 10 years of service celebration with comedian Lilaphalapha as well as radio personalities Themba Nyathi and Lady Terror.
Organised by Plan A events management, the Lesotho Times FanFest, is sponsored by Maluti Mountain Brewery, Sefalana Liquor Lesotho, Avani Hotels, Afro Media, Vodacom, d2 Graphix, JC Decaux, Perfect Car Rentals and PC FM.
Real name Chitjanyane Teanye, Together oa Butha-Buthe currently resides in Serutle, Ha Mopeli, in the Butha-Buthe district. He debuted the music industry in 1989 singing at community concerts until 1991 when he joined a church choir. Four years later he moved to Klerksdorp in South Africa to join Matlatsane Choir.
In 2008 he launched his solo career, now taking the Famo route. He has seven albums to his name namely Together oa Butha-Buthe volumes one to three, Sephomphethe volumes one to three and lastly Happy Birthday Motlotlehi.
“My Famo journey was inspired by a guy from Mafeteng whom I met in Maseru playing an accordion. I fell in love with his skill and during our conversation he said he was struggling to land a recording deal so we joined forces. He then played the musical instrument while I laid down the lyrics.
“There is nothing bad about Famo music, in fact, it is a genre which we should be proud of as it encompasses Sesotho poems. What is required is for us musicians to understand that we are not doing it for ourselves but the community at large.
“We should compose encouraging music which does not discriminate anyone or promote hatred. I do music which entertains and encourages people hence I am able to appeal to masses. I am going to cause havoc at Setsoto Stadium on 3 November,” Together said.
