Carrying a nation’s soul

Selimo Thabane takes Lesotho to the world stage at MTN Bushfire

RETHABILE MOHONO

When Selimo Thabane walks onto the stage at the internationally acclaimed MTN Bushfire Festival, he will do more than perform music. He will carry Lesotho’s identity, history, and spirit to the world.

Held each May in eSwatini’s Malkerns Valley, MTN Bushfire is a renowned three-day festival celebrating music and art. Often dubbed “Africa’s top festival,” its famous call to action, “Bring Your Fire,” encourages social, environmental, and cultural responsibility through music, theatre, film, and workshops.

The Festival highlights:

• Location & Vibe: Family-friendly, inclusive, and community-driven—often called a “conscious” festival.
• Cultural Experience: A rich line-up of African and global artists, poetry, theatre, and comedy.
• “Bring Your Fire”: A motto inspiring fans to drive positive change and sustainability.
• Activities: A KidZone, artisan markets, art exhibitions, and panels on social change.
• Camping and Travel: Safe, official campsites are available (e.g., All Out Africa).

The festival unites a “global fire family” in an immersive experience, featuring diverse acts from across Africa and beyond.

For Thabane – the only Mosotho artist on this year’s line-up – the moment is personal and historic. It marks another chapter in his ongoing mission to reshape Lesotho’s sound and global presence.

“Being on that Bushfire line-up alone hits differently,” Thabane says. “Carrying the flag and representing my country on such a huge platform is a great honour.”

Beyond pride lies a deeper mission shaped by culture, ancestry, and storytelling. Thabane will not simply play songs; he will unveil a signature fusion of past and present.

“I want the world to discover mangae fused with jazz – that unique sound born from The Kingdom in the Sky,” he says.

That sound, now known as Mangae Jazz, is more than a genre. It is a movement Thabane pioneered – weaving Basotho rhythms, ceremonies, and storytelling with jazz’s harmonic freedom. The result is music that carries ancestral memory yet feels entirely fresh.

“These are not just songs,” he insists.

“They are our war chants, our survival stories, the wars our ancestors won that shaped this small nation with a giant soul. THIS IS IDENTITY. RE BASOTHO.”

His words reveal a deep artistic creed: every note and lyric serves something greater than performance.

“We are not just playing notes,” he says. “We are carrying our identity. We are carrying centuries of existence to new ears.”

This commitment to identity has defined Thabane’s rise – from local stages to international recognition, while staying rooted in Basotho culture.

Born Lakabane Thabane, he first gained national attention not only for his sound but for his evolution. Once a Kwaito artist, he made a bold, unexpected leap into jazz – surprising many but eventually winning wide acclaim.

His breakthrough came at the 2017 Ultimate Music Awards, where he made history, winning five awards in one night: Best Afro-Pop Artist, Best Collaboration, Best International Breakthrough, Best Male Artist, and Song of the Year. He had previously won Best Kwaito Artist in 2016.

That night was overwhelming for the “Khomo” hitmaker, who returned to the stage repeatedly, collecting more accolades than expected.

Those awards followed the release of his debut jazz album, Tšimollo (The Beginning) – a 13-track project that became his most successful work, marking his jazz transition and cementing his place as one of Lesotho’s most innovative musical voices.

Tšimollo opened international doors, leading to a UK tour – a major step in carrying his sound beyond Lesotho.

Today, that journey continues with Bushfire, a platform that perfectly aligns with his vision for Mangae Jazz.

Despite the scale of the event, Thabane feels no pressure – only purpose.

“I don’t view it as pressure. I feel motivated and deeply inspired. I feel a strong sense of purpose and a desire to make my country proud,” he says.

Behind the scenes, every detail is intentional. “We are sharpening the iron. Expect something unique – a set that weaves carefully arranged compositions with the raw power of mangae.”

Yet, like many artists from smaller markets, Thabane has faced challenges breaking into international spaces.

“The challenges are immense. Most times, it feels like you are on your own,” he admits. Still, he credits Basotho audiences for their deep support.

“That’s one reason we keep growing.”

He quietly calls for greater national backing. “I wish our country would do more to push us through. But I’m positive we’ll get there.”

Digital platforms have also helped.

“Where would I be without social media? It levelled the playing field. It took Mangae from the mountains and put it on the same feed as Drake, Burna Boy, and Beyoncé. No visa needed.”

At his core, Thabane remains grounded. “Take the music away, and you still have Selimo. Hardworking, hard-loving, soccer-loving, story-carrying, easy-going, Black-conscious Mosotho.”

His inspiration flows from Basotho life – its struggles, triumphs, and resilience.

“My core fuel is the war chants, the survival stories, the mountains, the history. Songs like ‘Chaba sa Thesele,’ ‘Khomo,’ and ‘Naka La Khaka’ carry the weight of home – its beauty, hardship, and pride.”

Above all, he is driven to preserve Basotho culture.

“I am fuelled by keeping Basotho culture alive, pushing back against erasure. My stories reflect batho – their joy, their fight, their everyday survival. I am inspired by being Mosotho. That Black conscious soul of a people who refuse to disappear.”

Looking beyond Bushfire, Thabane sees a gateway – not just for himself, but for other Basotho artists.

“Beyond Bushfire, we keep the momentum. We pray for bigger stages. The bigger vision is to make this brand, Selimo, world-reclaimed. This platform will open more doors for other Basotho acts.”

He pays tribute to those before him: “A big thank you to those who came before us – we stand on their shoulders. I salute those who performed here before me.”

He also thanks key supporters like his “dear brother Blaza (Montoeli ‘Moleli) for connecting the brands – we need people like him.” ‘Moleli is a leading event promoter in Lesotho, known for LETOFE Lifestyle Experience and the Econet APICA Festival, where he champions local artists.

As the world watches Bushfire, Thabane’s message is clear: this is more than music. This is identity. This is history. This is Lesotho – rising, resonating, and refusing to go unheard.