Spiritual Music in Lesotho

Original Story Published by: Mpho Molikeng for Music in Africa
Photo Source: ©Pinterest

Lesotho's many spiritual traditions are usually accompanied by music.

This article provides an overview of spiritual music in Lesotho, showing how music plays an integral role in the country's worship traditions. The origins of spiritual music in Lesotho will be outlined, and the article will conclude with information about the contemporary state of such music.

Background Information

In Lesotho, like in many other parts of sub-Saharan Africa, spirituality is a treasured facet of life. This is evidenced by the many customs, rituals and cultural practices associated with it. There are two main ways people observe spirituality in Lesotho: traditional beliefs and formal religion. These practices are deliberately distinguished by pronounced costumes, observable standards and worship ceremonies. At the heart of all these religious practices is music[1].

History of Spiritual Music in Lesotho

Lesotho is a relatively young country that was formed in the early 1800s when people of different cultures and belief systems started settling in the foothills of the Maloti Mountains following the upheavals of the Lifaqane and the Great Trek, although there is evidence that people were present in the area about 40 000 years ago[2]. The rich musical heritage of the Basotho can be associated with the founding of the nation, as King Moshoeshoe I was a renowned praise poet, and this tradition has been nurtured to this day, often being interpolated into other musical forms[3].