Lerato Matheka
MASERU — Two of Lesotho’s top famo musicians, Koete and Morusu, are in the running for accolades at the annual South African Traditional Music Awards (Satma).
The awards ceremony is pencilled in for September 25 at the Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre in Durban.
Koete and Morusu, who are both under the KOL Music Productions stable, have been nominated for the best Sesotho album award, which will come with a trophy and M20 000.
Morusu, whose real name is Khethang Hlalele, won the category last year with his Morusu No. 2 album.
The Quthing muso is vying for the accolade this year with the same album.
Koete, born Mokoenihi Makoele, is a stronger contender in the category with his Tharisa ea Matsoapo No.4 album which won him the best Sesotho album accolade at this year’s South African Music Awards (Sama).
KOL managing director Molefi Mabote told Xpress People he was pleased with the recognition the duo was getting.
He said both artists were enjoying massive airplay from local and South African radio stations.
“Morusu’s track Mafura Thekeng, which is popular in Lesotho, Botswana and South Africa, cuts across different age groups,” Mabote said.
“It contains both traditional famo sound and a hip-hop portion . . . Morusu featured The Real Magosi, a hip-hop artist from Botswana.
“Koete’s Tharisa Ea Matsoapo album features Lekhotla La Marumo, a popular track which won him a Sama award for 2010.”
Satma was launched in 2005 to honour pioneers, artists and all who work towards preserving South Africa’s rich and diverse heritage through traditional music.