Local performing artist Rethabile Likoche wears many hats. He is an actor, dancer, poet, singer, director, author, and primary school head.
Widely known by his stage name ‘General Purpose Machine Gun’ (GPMG), 35-year-old Likoche has over the years become a familiar face at national events where he performs praise poetry.
He has also been invited several times to perform at various venues across the Free State province in South Africa where his energetic dances have dazzled many a reveller. Tomorrow, he is scheduled to perform in Qwaqwa.
Steeped in deep Sesotho culture and traditions, Likoche’s performances celebrate the gift of life and seek to give hope to the down-trodded and the discouraged.
‘GPMG’ has achieved remarkable success as a performing artist after being mentored and performing alongside celebrated entertainment industry heavyweights including the likes of Jerry Mofokeng wa Makhetha and Silas Monyatsi.
As a way of contributing to the local arts industry, the muso who was born and raised in Josias I at Ha ‘Mantsebo in the district of Maseru, has established a platform called ‘Tse Ntle Litjotjela Academy of Entertainment Productions to nurture youth talent.
Likoche who is the founder and director of the organisation says it pains him to see talent going unnoticed in Lesotho, especially among young people.
His goal is to give the youth a platform to showcase their talents locally and abroad. It is no easy task, he is quick to admit, but he is confident that it can be done with hard work and determination.
Likoche’s group focuses on traditional music, dancing, playing music, and poetry. This is to remind the nation of the beauty of its roots and to show the world the beauty that lies in Lesotho and its language.
“Since its formation on May 13, 2022, the academy has become a place of comfort even for those who are from less privileged households. We are a family when we are together,” Likoche told theReporter in an interview this week.
He recounted how he collected some youth from different walks of life a few months ago, including those who lived on the streets, driven by his desire to groom and motivate them to become the people they aspire to be in future.
“Our aim is to keep young people occupied and help them resist from falling into the temptation of indulging in the world of crime or drugs. We want them to become respectable men and women with dignity and a positive outlook on life.
“We also seek to instill patriotism and work to a point where local artists can be able to earn a living through the arts and change their lives for the better,” he noted.
Likoche acknowledged that balancing his full-time job as a school headmaster in Maseru and the arts has been a challenge but he manages by planning his time carefully.
“I’m very busy when am not at work during the day. It explains why I’m still single; I’m married to my work and craft,” he added with a chuckle.
