Khotso, one of Lesotho’s most popular recording artistes, has just dropped a brand new single called Tiisetsa, a feel-good Sesotho-English song perfect for the radio airwaves.
The talented singer’s respectable profile includes being a part of the South African Studio Team of the live action Lion King movie soundtrack led by the iconic Lebo M. The soundtrack features many well-known international artistes such as Beyonce, Pharrell, and Elton John.
Inspiration for Khotso’s ‘Tiisetsa’
Musing on what inspired his new single, Khotso says, “I was working in a job I hated and was miserable in, while having dreams of making a full time career out of my music. What I was doing seemed so far removed from what I wanted to do in life that I used to ask myself: am I ever going to get where I want to be?
“The song is about persevering in the face of difficult circumstances, such as those we all face the world over with COVID-19. It is very easy to get discouraged. The song title is Tiisetsa, which is a Sesotho word meaning ‘hold on’ or ‘persevere.’
“The lyrics encourage one to have a vision and push relentlessly towards your goal in life, regardless of the difficult circumstances which you may face along the way and the discouragement you might feel from stumbling and making mistakes in your journey.”
Khotso’s profile
Khotso is from Lesotho but was born in Brussels, Belgium. His parents moved to the US, where he grew up and went to school, when he was just one year old. He subsequently moved to the UK where he completed his “A” Levels and degree in Economics and Economic History.
“Though we lived abroad, we would always visit Lesotho regularly and I came to view Lesotho as home. I have been based full time in Lesotho since 2004,” he says.
“I always had a deep love for music and after completing my degree, I decided to pursue it full time as a producer, songwriter, and artiste. Though there have been difficult times along the way, I have never looked back with regret at the choice I made.”
Previous singles
The multitalented artiste released two well-received singles in the early 2000s – Matswale and Now or Never. “Both of them were remakes of songs by artistes I admire very much, Sankomota and Caiphus Semenya,” he recalls.
“From there, I have mainly focused on songwriting and production. I have written several songs for Tsepo Tshola, ‘The Village Pope,’ and was a producer on his CD entitled A New Dawn. I have also worked extensively with Lebo M, professionally known as the Voice and Spirit of The Lion King, as well as written music for Bhudaza Mapefane
Khotso worked with Mantai Murry on Tiisetsa lyrics while Katleho “Turf” Mohasoa plays guitar on the song. “Otherwise I produced it myself, played all other instruments, and sang lead and background vocals with Tholoana Mosisili. I recorded it in Lesotho in my studio, KRT Studios,” he explains.
To watch Tiisetsa on YouTube, click here.