Queen Mamohato Remembered as a Woman of Many Talents at National Music Awards

The 3rd National Music Awards celebrated the talent, history and cultural identity of Lesotho while also paying tribute to the late Queen Mamohato Bereng Seeiso. Principal Chief of Matsieng, Chief Seeiso Bereng Seeiso, described his late mother as a woman of many talents as he reflected on her legacy during the event. Chief Seeiso was speaking as he presented the Queen Mamohato Lifetime Achievement Award to renowned artist Ntate Mahase. The ceremony brought together artists, industry stakeholders, sponsors and guests to recognise achievements across Lesotho’s music industry. It also created an opportunity to reflect on the role music continues to play in preserving Basotho culture and telling the story of the nation.

Chief Seeiso said the National Music Awards provide an important platform for showcasing the artistic abilities of Basotho. He stressed that recognising artists should go together with protecting the creative industry in which they work. According to Chief Seeiso, artists need an environment where they can receive fair returns for their music, performances and creative work. This includes strengthening systems that allow musicians to benefit financially from the work they produce and the audiences they reach. His remarks placed the awards within a wider discussion about the sustainability of the music industry and the need to ensure that creative talent can become a viable livelihood.

The Queen Mamohato Lifetime Achievement Award presented to Ntate Mahase added a significant cultural dimension to the ceremony. Lifetime achievement awards recognise artists whose contribution extends beyond a single performance, song or period of popularity. By attaching Queen Mamohato’s name to the award, the occasion also connected artistic achievement with the legacy of a member of Lesotho’s royal family. Chief Seeiso’s description of his late mother as a woman of many talents further highlighted the importance of remembering her contribution and character. The recognition of Ntate Mahase therefore formed part of an evening that honoured both individual artistic achievement and the broader cultural heritage of Basotho.

Minister of Tourism Thabo Mputi also highlighted the important role of music in telling the story of Lesotho. He said the country’s musicians have a powerful means of expressing its history, identity and experiences through their work. His remarks came at a significant time for the country, which is celebrating 60 years of independence and 200 years since its founding by King Moshoeshoe I. The Minister said music provides a reminder of the journey Basotho have travelled throughout the nation’s history. The National Music Awards consequently offered an opportunity to recognise contemporary artists while also acknowledging the historical and cultural role of music in Lesotho.

Mputi said music has remained an important part of Basotho society throughout the country’s history. Beyond entertainment, he described it as a communication tool through which stories have been shared from one generation to another. Songs can preserve memories, express social experiences and document important moments in the development of a community. This longstanding relationship between music and storytelling has helped make creative expression an important part of Lesotho’s cultural identity. The Minister’s comments placed the work of today’s musicians within that broader tradition of using music to communicate the experiences and values of the nation.

The Minister also acknowledged the contribution of the private sector in supporting platforms that allow Basotho artists to showcase their abilities. He addressed the sponsors and said their involvement was encouraging because partnerships can create opportunities for artists to reach wider audiences. The awards were supported by Lesotho PostBank, the Ministry of Tourism, LNIG Hollard, Mohale FM and Maluti Mountain Brewery. Their involvement demonstrates the range of organisations contributing to an event focused on recognising music and creative talent. Support from businesses and institutions can also help create opportunities for artists to develop their careers and connect with audiences beyond their usual platforms.

Mputi also welcomed guests from South Africa and linked their participation to the longstanding relationship between Lesotho and its neighbouring country. He said their presence demonstrated the strong ties between the two nations. The Minister noted that music can bring people together across national borders without being restricted by geographical boundaries or administrative requirements. This cross-border connection is particularly relevant to the music industry, where artists can build audiences in neighbouring countries and share cultural influences. The presence of South African guests at the awards therefore reflected the ability of music to create connections between communities and countries.

The Minister further emphasised that music should not be viewed only as entertainment because it can also provide a source of livelihood for artists. Musicians depend on performances, recordings, appearances and other creative activities to earn an income from their work. Creating a sustainable music industry requires opportunities for artists to develop their careers while ensuring that their creative contributions are properly recognised and compensated. Mputi said the government remained committed to supporting artists and creating an environment in which they could realise their potential. His comments echoed Chief Seeiso’s call for greater protection of the creative industry and fair returns for artists.

Among the artists recognised at the awards was Tom Rakoti, who won the Best Jazz Artist award. Rakoti described the preparation for the ceremony as a journey that began in July when he started seeking votes from supporters across Lesotho. He particularly focused on supporters in the northern parts of the country as he worked to build support ahead of the awards. He described the night as one he would never forget, reflecting the personal significance of receiving recognition for his work. His experience also showed the role that supporters play in helping musicians compete in public voting processes associated with music awards.

Rakoti’s career in music stretches back to 2008, when he began writing his own songs while performing as a singer with Senqu Jazz Band. After the band split, he became the lead singer of Afrotazz Band before eventually choosing to pursue a solo career. His journey reflects the different stages that musicians can experience as they develop their craft and establish their own artistic identities. Rakoti also used an image of a slow-moving wave to describe jazz, saying that the genre may move slowly and steadily but eventually reaches its destination. His award represents another milestone in a career shaped by years of performing, songwriting and building a connection with audiences.

The National Music Awards have also developed significantly since their establishment. Organiser Tsepo Kherenchane said the inaugural awards were held in 2024, making the 2026 ceremony the third edition of the event. He revealed that this year’s competition attracted 800 entries before the field was reduced to 300. The nomination process began in May, setting the stage for the recognition of artists across different categories. The number of entries illustrates the level of interest among musicians and other creative professionals seeking recognition through the national platform.

The third edition of the National Music Awards therefore brought together several important themes, including artistic recognition, cultural preservation, economic opportunities and national identity. Chief Seeiso’s tribute to Queen Mamohato and the presentation of the lifetime achievement award to Ntate Mahase connected the ceremony to Lesotho’s cultural heritage. Minister Mputi’s remarks highlighted the role of music in documenting the nation’s history while also supporting artists as they build sustainable careers. Tom Rakoti’s Best Jazz Artist win provided an example of an individual musician’s journey from band membership to a successful solo career. As Lesotho marks major national anniversaries, the awards demonstrate how music continues to provide a platform through which Basotho can celebrate their talent, preserve their history and share their stories with audiences at home and beyond the country’s borders.