Music
Malome Vector: A New Wave of Sesotho Rap
The rapper says "Dumelang" to the world
Growing up amidst the hilly landscapes of Maseru, Lesotho's Malome Vector always had grand visions for himself. "I grew up with mountainous views as my backdrop and enjoyed herding livestock while dreaming of what lies beyond the horizon and imagining all the possibilities life has in store for me," he tells us. With his fusion of hip hop, Afropop and elements of famo, the artist - born Bokang Moleli - has made sure to chase his dreams, recently relocating to South Africa.
Malome Vector
© Ambitiouz Entertainment
This was a journey orchestrated by sheer talent meeting a golden opportunity. "After I was discovered by the Ambitiouz Entertainment team I couldn't wait to travel up to Jo'burg," Malome Vector says. "Our discussions ended over the recordings that we'd worked on in Lesotho. Walking out of the studio that morning, the first thing that stood out for me was the hard work ethic, which I pride myself in. As they say, the rest is history." History is something Malome Vector is aiming to create, having already been a part of two high charting songs in 2020 - striking creative gold on Miss Pru Dj's "Price To Pay" and his own "Dumelang".
After establishing himself alongside producer Mega Hertz, Vector's palpable chemistry with his new stablemates has him at the peak of his collaborative powers once more. "Working with Blaq Diamond has been amazing and was a perfect fit from the first day we met," he reveals. "There's a strong connection between us: we all aspire for greatness and have the same work ethic. I appreciate Miss Pru Dj for inviting all of us on to Price To Pay 'cause since that first day in studio we've wanted to put each other on our respective projects."
With the response to these songs, Malome Vector has already begun his mission to conquer the world with his heritage at the centre of his art. "I am so proud of my Basotho culture. I want to share it with the world and show everyone that being a rapper can be culturally cool," he says. "I see my music being appreciated as it's a fusion of sounds that can be welcomed across all cultures." Those sounds - rooted in traditional SeSotho rhythms - are adding an extra layer to the landscape of African hip hop and Afropop. Malome expands on his use of Famo by saying; "the accordion in it gives it a unique flavour. Its exclusive nature means you'll know which country to associate it with, wherever you hear it in the world."
I am so proud of my Basotho culture. I want to share it with the world and show everyone that being a rapper can be culturally cool.
These global ambitions to spread Sesotho culture come from years of crafting his art - as previous hits "Ichu" & "Motho Waka" prove - and Malome Vector is primed for the task. "I started making music at 14 years old," he shares. "Any opportunity I found to sing in front of a crowd excited me - which saw me performing on stages at a young age." With the example of previous eras of Sotho rappers such as Papa Zee, MC Meloh and Kommanda Obbs to draw from, he also cites the late-great Motswako rapper HHP as a huge inspiration. "I love the originality of his sound and the fact that he never compromised his mother tongue. The biggest part was that I saw myself in him: someone who looked like me, making quality sounds. I am still very much influenced by the Famo artists back home... they are a beautiful reminder of my heritage."
