Nthatuoa Koeshe
AFRO Jazz band JC Crew has released a single title Ngaka Lumela in commemoration of women’s month, which is celebrated in August annually.
One of the band members, Teboko Makoetlane told the Xpress People that the song was released to celebrate the strength of women.
He said the track is dedicated to all strong women who take the lead in different spheres of life.
“We decided to take advantage of the women’s month to send a clear message to women telling them that they are able to lead and make big decisions that they can make even better leadership strides than men,” Makoetlane said.
He said as much as the song celebrates the strength of women, it is also not a gender specific song as it is a general call to action for all Basotho.
He said this was also the time for women to rise and be counted instead of letting all leadership roles be taken by men who he said have failed the country.
“Men have failed Lesotho. It is time for women to rise and be counted,” Makoetlane said.
He said from the early 60s, Lesotho has been subjected to a series of governance failures that were driven by men although the country at large has not held them accountable.
Makoetlane said the track was also inspired by First Lady ‘Maesaiah Thabane’s bravery in tackling issues that have bogged down the country for ages. He said while many may not subscribe to the First Lady’s way of doing things, she has done well to stand up against the patriarchal wall.
He said each Mosotho must stand to fix Lesotho in their own way adding that history would remember the First Lady for her boldness.
JC Crew’s last release was the album Mohahlaula in December 2018 launched at Café What in May this year.
Makoetlane told this paper that they are currently working on another album which they intend to release next year.
“We are working on the album and we have already started writing and arranging some of the songs,” he said.
JC Crew was founded in 2004 by Makoetlane, Tefo Mofolo, Lira Makoetlane (the last trio standing), Thapelo Moletsane, Tšepo Petersen, Refiloe Lejakane, Kabelo Tšilo and Keketso Motseki.
The band has graced different stages in an outside the country including the Lesotho Tourism and Festival (Letofe).