
Mohalenyane Phakela
MOKHOTLONG musician, Sibongile Motleleng says her rural background will not be an obstacle in her quest for international stardom.
The up-and-coming pop singer told Xpress People in a recent interview that limited opportunities in Mokhotlong had forced her to trek to Maseru to fulfil her dream of recording music.
“I always wanted to be a musician but then did not know which route to follow,” Motleleng said, adding, people often discouraged instead of motivating her.
“I would practice when I was alone and last year when I felt I was ready to be heard, I searched for local producers on social media and I met Carbon Cast who is based in Lower Thamae, Maseru.
“In December I took the little I had and left Mokhotlong for Maseru to make my dream a reality. I stayed with my sister in Motimposo while I went to studio during the day. We recorded four tracks with Carbon Cast which I thought were enough to test the market,” she said.
The 21-year-old also revealed that one of the songs, Never Come Back made it to the top spot in the top 5 radio charts contest at Radio Lesotho in January and that had motivated her to return to Maseru to work on a full album.
“I had never sang professionally, so having my first single top the national radio charts made me feel I was on the right path therefore I am back in Maseru to complete the album.
“I intend to record another 11 tracks to make them 15. I have not thought of the title as yet but I intend to release it in May.”
Other three tracks which she said people should look out for are So High, Got Your Back and Take Yours.
“I can sing almost everything but I chose pop because it is one genre that can fuse with others and it is not exploited as much as others.
“I would like to become one of the top international artistes so I will save money to pay a South African artiste to feature on a track for it is only music that comes from South Africa that is taken seriously here,” she said.