By Neo Kolane
Two Lesotho-born heavyweight songbirds, Maleh (‘Malehloka Hlalele) and Leomile (Motsetsela) who happen to be longtime admirers of each other, have now joined forces to compose a hit song titled Bana ba Khoale.
This is a song about hope and overcoming adversity while leaning on a chosen family. It is a reminder that nothing is permanent and that even as people traverse the challenging trails in their lives, there is always joy on the other side.
Songwriter, Leomile says her story and that of Maleh’s are very much echoed in the song hence their managers met up and suggested that they do something together.
“We arranged for a studio date and over two days played around with ideas until we found this something like this song would tell our real,” Leomile said.
The performer told theReporter that the production of the song was facilitated by SAMRO Foundation through their inaugural MCFS grant which supports artists to carry on with their creativity despite the emergence of the global Covid-19 pandemic which has affected arts worldwide.
The song was produced by Ndabo Zulu, engineered by Lwande Makohliso and the process was facilitated by ALTBLK, a South African collective and home for independent artists. It is based in Johannesburg.
According to Leomile, the privilege of having Nduduzo Makhathini guiding and holding the space for them during the studio recording and post-production phase also contributed to a fine production.
Leomile, who refers to herself as an absolute Maleh fan, expressed her feelings by revealing that the song is her first collaboration with a woman as a featured artist labelling it as a dream collaboration.
Excitedly, she said having another Sesotho speaking woman to sing and write alongside her is a total blessing.
“Working on the song was fun. There was such good synergy between everyone and we grew immensely from the process. Being an artist of the week on a South Africa radio station is a humbling and gratifying honour.
“It’s lovely to have platforms with such a wide reach to celebrate and grow the music. It means the song can connect with more people,” Leomile said.
The song will be released today.
