By Lebohang Lenetha
MASERU
In commemoration of 16 Days of Activism against Gender Based Violence (GBV), a Gospel and Afro Jazz Musician by the name of Teboho ‘Musi (35) composed a song titled “Nena Tlhekefetso” which is inspired by the rate of brutal killings of women and children.
In an interview with Arts&Lifestyle, the Thaba-Tseka born expressed that he could not sit back and watch the world treat women and children in a horrifying way, so he felt that as a producer, it was also his duty to pass the message to the people through his art. “I produced this song because I noticed that GBV is increasing at an alarming rate and sometimes it is not addressed until a person is killed. GBV exists in families, we do not see it until children run away from their homes, parents kill each other or even use alcohol to drown their sorrows and pains, so it is wise to talk about it in so many different ways,” he explained.
“Nena Tlhekefetso” is a song recorded locally, it is targeting every individual willing to partake in GBV prevention activities or issues and reporting about any type of GBV for it is a global initiative. “This song will soon be available on social media platforms for easy access. It is also available on CDs,” he informed. ‘Musi hopes to see the government invest in the music industry because it is not only about entertainment. “I am a music lover, I want to grow big in the industry and inspire others, but all this requires support from our peer citizens and the government as well. To some of us, music is not only about dance but edutainment and we make a living out of it,” he insisted.
When asked what goals he would like to archive as an artist, he commented that he definitely would love to see the government of Lesotho and the private sectors supporting all artists so that they can bring glory home. “They should do away with booking international artists to headline some of the local events, Basotho will only get to know about us when we are given the exposure and support as Lesotho artists”.
Teboho further stated that he believes music is an information dissemination tool that is why he produces on fundamental issues like the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the United Nations (UN). “I have a song that summarizes all the 17 SDGs and its video that was supported by United Nations Development Program (UNDP) Lesotho.