By: Nthati Moerane
As we all know Lesotho has number of choirs inspired only by adults, and those choirs have no space for youths mostly the primary, secondary and tertiary students. This changed when a newly founded choir called Heavely Sweet Serenaders was inspired by youths from different levels of schools. Heavely Sweet Serenaders, which was established by 34 year old Kananelo Moea, will be launched on March 24th 2024 at the Lehakoe Recreational Centre.
Heavenly Sweet Serenaders is a musical band and choir, officiated in November 2023, by Moea, now founder and conductor of the choir. The choir is based at Maseru lecsa primary, Mohalalitoe. The purpose for this choir to be established was to explore and revive different talents that different people have, so it provides opportunities for youths to place their talent of choral voices in the spotlight.
The launch which will be a great apportunity for choral music to be known and to realize the great talent that we have in our country. The launch is a social activity open for every member of the society. There will be music presented such as church hymns, classical music, opera songs, and compilations by various African composers.
According to Moea, the idea of establishing a choir was triggered by the fact that he is a conductor and enjoys choral music; he worked with Khethisa High School choir, which also has a hand in the idea of him starting his own musical choir. He says the choir faces challenges such as transport. While this may seem minor in some instances, it is a major challenge for them since choir members are co-stars from different places such as Quthing, Mafeteng, and Leribe.
“The gift and talent of Mr. Moea as a person in the choral fraternity, the love that I have for music, and the enthusiasm of trying to improve what i already know, is what made me want to be part of this musical choir that he established, “said Maleshoane Lesole, who sings soprano in the English choir (HSS).
Moea says the choir benefits society – youths focus on what is beneficial and build productive networks, by uniting different societal members. It will also help nurture the talent of choral music in the country and embrace it, particularly because the curriculums embrace the musical talent of a Mosotho child.
He says they are doing this from society or from the formal education spectrum as way of giving every Mosotho child to tap in their talent of singing choral music.
“One challenge that we face as the choir members is attandace, which is low because members are not attending the way that they should, because the choir is made by students, most of whom who are currently in school; some cannot afford transport, and this makes it hard for them because they slack in some things,” comcludes Mokete Mphutlane, who takes part as a bass singer.