Lerato Matheka
MASERU — A local music production company in association with Lesotho’s music superstars, Tshepo Tshola and Bhudaza, are planning a benefit concert for jazz artiste Fatere who was seriously injured in a road accident in May.
Fatere is still recuperating at Pelonomi Hospital in Bloemfontein, South Africa, after he was transferred from Queen Elizabeth II Hospital following an unsuccessful operation.
Also set to take part in the benefit show is music superstar Dunamis.
The three are expected to headline the concert that seeks to raise funds for the Seoli hit-maker who sustained a fractured thigh, broken ribs and a broken jaw in an accident near St Agnes High School in Teyateyaneng on May 29.
The company organising the concert is ia called Kingdom of Lesotho Music Production (KOL).
“After the accident Ntate Sechaba (Fatere) was admitted to Queen II then transferred to Berea and back to Queen II, where he was discharged after a week.
“At that time he had still not recovered,” ’Mamorena Litabe, Fatere’s wife told journalists at a press conference held in Maseru this week.
She added: “While I was looking after him at home he experienced difficulty with breathing so I took him back to Queen II.
“They tried to operate him on his thigh but it ended up producing pus because it was infected so Queen II then transferred him to Pelonomi Hospital last month.”
Litabe said the family has been suffering a lot since the accident because the musician was the sole breadwinner.
Bhudaza said Fatere needs support.
“I am talking here as a friend and a colleague, Fatere is one of us and he needs help so I urge all artistes to come forth and support the initiative,” Bhudaza said.
“He was from my house just before the accident and he had been complaining that he was exhausted from his performance the previous night.”
He added: “If I knew I (that he was going to be involved in such an accident I) could have stopped him from leaving but I had other commitments.”
Bhudaza said the concert is meant to raise enough funds to help Fatere’s family during this tough time and pay for his medical bills.
“We are going to open a trust fund account that will be accessible to ’M`e Malitaba to help assist the family.”
Dunamis said they are yet to talk to other local artistes before confirming the final line-up for the benefit concert.
“The only confirmed artistes are me, Bhudaza and Tshepo. We are still going to call for a meeting with other local artistes to find out those who are willing to pledge their performances for a good cause,” he said.
He added that Lesedi FM’s Twasa and Ba2cada were also keen to help and make guest appearances.
“Ntate Fatere is a big artiste and we are trying to bring fans and supporters from all walks of life so we spoke to Twasa and Ba2cada and they are keen to support.”
Dunamis said the concert will take place before the end of the year after confirming the line-up, date and venue.
He urged people to lend a hand.
“We invite everyone who supports the development of the local music industry and wishes to lessen the plight of Ntate Fatere to come forward.”