… grooming chance for young singers
By ‘Moelo Motsiri
MASERU
Mokoro Creative Company officially launched the 2025 edition of The Kingdom Voices competition last week at the UNESCO Hall in Maseru.
The event was filled with excitement and hope as it introduced a six-month-long musical journey designed to uncover and promote young vocal talents across Lesotho.
This national reality show is not just about entertainment but is also about giving young people a chance to shine, build careers in music, and combat youth unemployment through creativity.
Speaking at the launch, Mokoro Creative’s Managing Director, Ntsane Pheko, explained that the goal of the competition is to find and grow hidden vocal talent among the youth. But more than that, it’s also about helping them make a living through music.
“Our aim is not only to inspire a love for music,” Pheko said. “We also want to create a platform where local singers can showcase their talents, grow professionally, and earn income doing what they love.”
According to Pheko, the competition involves several stages.
First comes the Makoanyane Hunt, followed by the Mohlomi Honor, then the Mohato Spotlight, and finally, the Letsie Ground, which serves as the final round. Contestants who pass through all these levels will enter an incubation programme.
This program is where things get serious. Contestants will receive training to improve their vocal abilities, rehearse with live bands, and work toward becoming professional artistes.
Mokoro’s producer and administrator, Ndaba Matshe, highlighted that the competition isn’t just about finding good singers but is also about turning them into professional performers who can make a living in the music industry.
“After the incubation, the winners join the Black Note Band as full-time employees,” Matshe explained. “They will receive monthly salaries, commissions from events, and other benefits. They will rehearse every weekday like it’s a normal job. We are treating music as a career, not just a hobby.”
Matshe also said that the programme is split into two semesters. The first semester focuses on training, while the second is about songwriting and working with international music producers. This step-by-step growth process helps the artistes develop from being amateurs to polished professionals.
One of the show’s judges, Mookho Moqhali, expressed her excitement about how this initiative will impact Lesotho’s music industry. She believes The Kingdom Voices will help young people see music not just as a form of entertainment, but as a valuable profession.
“Our culture often teaches young people to stay humble to the point of hiding their gifts,” Moqhali said. “This competition gives them space to be proud of their talent, grow their confidence, and know they are good enough.”
She emphasised that boosting confidence in young vocalists is key to helping them perform at their best, and that this kind of support is what Lesotho’s creative industry needs.
Another judge, Palesa Ntene Sehoai, a well-known figure in the music industry, praised the competition for creating real job opportunities for the youth.
“This competition can help reduce youth unemployment by turning music into a source of income,” Sehoai said. “Music is not just therapy — it is a business. When creativity is nurtured and supported, it becomes something you can live on.”
She urged the government and other stakeholders to support initiatives like this, which give young people the tools they need to succeed and make a positive contribution to the country’s economy.
The Kingdom Voices 2025 competition is more than just a talent show — it is a mission to reshape the future of Lesotho’s music industry. By creating jobs, building confidence, and developing professional artistes, Mokoro Creative is offering young people a real chance at success.
With music at the heart of the movement, the competition promises a brighter, talent-driven future for Lesotho’s youth. It is a platform of hope, creativity, and opportunity, one note at a time.