By: Lebohang Maluke
MASERU – Among the talented musicians hailing from Lesotho is Leomile, a soulful singer-songwriter and composer, whose music weaves together the traditional sounds of Sesotho with contemporary elements to create a unique and powerful musical experience.
Born and raised in Maseru, Lesotho’s capital city, Leomile’s love for music started at a young age. She began writing songs at the age of nine and was part of a poetry club in high school. After studying film, she pursued a Bachelor of Arts in Live Performance, with a focus on music. Her true calling to music was passed down from her mother and grandmother, both of whom were singers, and her father’s extensive music collection that exposed her to a variety of genres and artists.
Known as the “Kingdom in the Sky”, Lesotho is a small country nestled in the mountains of Southern Africa. It is a land of vast natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and a thriving music scene. Leomile’s name itself holds powerful meaning – it is derived from the word “leomila,” which means “rainmaker” in Sesotho.
In traditional African cultures, rainmakers are believed to have the ability to bring restoration and healing to their communities. And just like her namesake, Leomile’s music carries a message of hope and restoration, serving as a vessel for the memories and stories of her people.
Her music is a fusion of traditional African folk, neo-soul, jazz, and alternative/electronic sounds. Drawing inspiration from a diverse range of artists, such as Miriam Makeba, Janelle Monae, and Bob Dylan, as well as literature and academia.
Leomile’s music is a reflection of her eclectic taste and influences. But above all, it is a reflection of her identity, her roots, and her passion for her culture and community.
In 2016, Leomile released her debut album, ‘Pula-Molomo’ (which translates to “rainbow of tongues” in Sesotho). The album received critical acclaim and launched her career as a solo artist. She has since performed at various festivals, including the Standard Bank Joy of Jazz and MACUFE festivals, and has toured with legendary South African musician, Tshepo Tshola. She has also shared the stage with renowned artists like Seun Kuti & Egypt 80, Msaki, and Sun-El Musician.
Leomile’s music is more than just entertainment – it is a means to preserve and promote the culture and traditions of her people. Her lyrics touch on important issues of identity, love, and womanhood, shining a light on the often forgotten or suppressed aspects of African life and humanity. Through her music, she exposes these golden threads of honesty, idealism, and hope, encouraging listeners to reflect and connect with their own roots and heritage.
Her use of Sesotho in her music is also essential in preserving the language, which has struggled to survive under the dominance of colonial languages. Through her modern interpretation of traditional Sesotho music, Leomile is not only reinventing the genre but also keeping it alive for future generations.
In addition to her music career, Leomile is also passionate about using her art form to create social change and promote important causes. She has been involved in various initiatives that use music as a tool for education and empowerment, particularly for young girls and women. Her advocacy for these causes is evident in her music and performances, as she uses her platform to spread awareness and inspire change.
In a world where music is often seen as a commercial commodity, Leomile’s music stands out for its authenticity and purpose. Her deliberate and conscious approach to creating music that reflects her culture and identity is not only refreshing, but it also serves as a reminder of the power that music holds in bringing people together and preserving our collective memories and stories.
However, Leomile is a true gem of the mountain Kingdom of Lesotho. Her music is a beautiful tapestry that weaves together past and present, tradition and modernity, and serves as a source of restoration and hope for her community and beyond. As she continues to use her voice and talent to spread her message of love, identity, and womanhood, she is a testament to the power of music as a force for change and unity.