By: Lebohang Maluke
MASERU
The Gospel Hip Hop artist of Lesotho, Tumelo Seliane known as T Born, soars to new heights as he pays tribute to his country with the release of his newest album, “Sotho Man EP.” A touching rhyme to Lesotho’s anniversary milestone, T Born’s powerful vocals and soul-stirring lyrics encapsulate the resilience, beauty, and cultural richness of this stunning kingdom, reminding us of the importance of remembering and honoring past.
He is a shining beacon of Sotho pride, steps forth with his captivating new album in a celebration of culture, language, and the rich tapestry of Sotho identity. In this powerful offering, T Born weaves together the vibrant threads of his history, his language, and his music, crafting a soulful narrative that resonates with the beating heart of Lesotho’s heritage.
It will be releasedon 04 October 2024 on social media. It includes: Euna o Molimo ft Tankiso Moahloli (Lesotho), Kea leboha Molimo [Sotho Man], Mosotho ft Vs Clufflins [Botswana] and Monate oa lenyalo.
T Born, an unwavering ambassador of Sotho pride, ushers in a new dawn for the Sotho soul with his stirring debut album, “Sotho Man EP.” Here, he put on the veil of a storyteller, inviting listeners on a soul-stirring journey through the lush, green valleys and sun-kissed peaks of Lesotho, as he narrates the tales of his people and the rich tapestry of their culture, all interwoven with the lyrical wizardry of his mother tongue.
Through guiding his listeners into the beating heart of a nation, casting his soulful words like a spell over the rolling hills and winding rivers of his beloved homeland. As he weaves his tales of pride, heritage, and cultural magnificence through the verses of his debut album, “Sotho Man EP,” the soul of Lesotho dances and sings, as though awakened from a deep slumber, its spirit stirring with each melodic note and poetic line.
Boldly embracing the beauty of his roots, T Born rises from the ashes of self-doubt, casting aside any lingering remnants of the cultural imposter syndrome that once gripped him. With “Sotho Man EP,” he proudly claims his identity, proclaiming, “Ke Mosotho!” in every beat, every rhyme, every verse.
His linguistic versatility, honed in the smithy of English songs in church choirs, now serves as a powerful tool, a radiant beacon that illuminates the path back to his Sotho identity, his heritage, and his roots.
The journey of T Born’s cultural self-discovery is a testament to the power of introspection and the transformative beauty of rediscovering one’s roots. As he boldly steps into the light of his true identity, the flames of self-awareness engulf the doubts and insecurities of the past, forging a new, stronger, and more confident T Born—a Sotho Man.
In the story of T Born’s artistic transformation, the embrace of his Sotho identity is akin to the phoenix rising from the ashes, born anew from the embers of his personal journey. He stands now, unapologetic, ready to take his place as a vanguard of Sotho music, his language and culture a source of inspiration, his message a rallying cry for all who seek to find their true selves amidst the noise of a world that often demands conformity.
His music, a reverberation of the Sesotho Fashioneng movement, not only paints a vivid portrait of the Sotho soul but also serves as a clarion call to the world, a testament to the beauty and vitality of this rich culture. By unfurling the banner of Sesotho identity in every word and every note, he shines a light on the value of being a ‘Ngoana Mosotho’.
A synergetic blend of music and identity, is the heartbeat of the Sesotho Fashioneng movement. In each chord, he proclaims, “Ke Mosotho,” and with every melody, he illuminates the richness of his heritage, unraveling the intricate tapestry of Lesotho’s cultural identity. Like a rallying cry in the darkness, he beckons his listeners, young and old alike, to embrace their roots, their traditions, and their sense of belonging.
Grand tapestry of history, culture, and music, T Born’s serves as a tribute to the resilience, strength, and endurance of a nation. As Lesotho marks its bicentennial milestone, T Born pays homage to the struggles and triumphs of his people, weaving together a musical narrative that reflects the soul of the nation.
A deeply personal work, imbued with the hopes and dreams of a proud Sotho man, his album is a celebration of the past, a reflection on the present, and an optimistic anthem for the future. The epic tale of T Born, the Sotho Man, reaches a soaring crescendo as he dedicates his soulful masterpiece to the bicentennial of Lesotho. His unwavering passion for his culture and identity has earned him the well-deserved nomination in the South African Awards, a recognition that