Lerato Matheka
MASERU — Award winning famo star, Morusu, teamed up with hit maker Phoka on his latest album released last month.
The 10-track album titled Morusu Special has already produced hits like Le e etsang phakoe, Quthing ho monate and Kopano ke matla. Phoka Special is featured on Kopano ke atla.
Morusu, who is based in South Africa, told Xpress People he decided to team up with Phoka because “he is one powerful famo artiste right now”.
“This is my first collaboration since I joined the industry in 2007,” he said.
Morusu, born Khethang Hlalele, has two awards under his belt.
His first album in 2007 Morusu No1 won an award at the South African Traditional Music Awards.
The second album, Morusu No2, won the South African Music Awards (Sama) last year.
Morusu Special is his third album.
He said he is thrilled to have worked with Phoka Special.
“Phoka’s music is of the same quality as mine and he plays an accordion when he performs live, a technique I also use.
“With us together, our music works magic. Our famo jive style appeals to all ages and promotes unity and happiness.”
Morusu said in addition to combining talents their collaboration on Kopano ke matla was meant to show the goodness of working together as famo musicians.
“The track is illustrating how collaborations and togetherness can help grow and sustain the famo industry as it is the one element that represents Lesotho’s music industry,” Morusu said.
The collaboration between Morusu and Phoka Special comes at a time when the famo music industry is in turmoil.
Since 2009 more than 100 artists have been murdered in famo gang-related violence.
Morusu said since Morusu Special was released “copies are flying off the shelves and I believe it’s because of Phoka’s popularity in Lesotho.”
“The album is doing well because we both have huge fan bases,” he said.
“This collaboration is a dream come true for me because I used to look up to Phoka, now I had the privilege of working with my inspiration.”
The famo star said he has submitted the album for this year’s SATMA competition.
“The album will be judged among other famo albums for the 2011 SATMA competition in September. I was inspired to submit it because it is full of energy and has proved popular with our fans owing to the quality of the production,” he said.
Phoka Special told Xpress People that he was excited when Morusu approached him for the project.
“I am always keen to work with anyone but this collaboration excited me because we seek to promote unity among famo artistes.”
The Mokhanthufa hit maker said he would like to see them sharing the stage to promote the album.
“We have an agreement and I would love to see us working together in promoting the album now that it is already out.”
Comments are closed.