Sotho Sounds

Sotho Sounds are a band from Malealea, a village in south-west Lesotho.^[2] The members of Sotho Sounds are shepherds and built their instruments themselves.^[3]

Sotho Sounds
Sotho Sounds in 2014
Background information
Origin	Malealea, Lesotho
Genres	Sotho traditional[1]
Website	sothosoundsltd.blogspot.com

History

Sotho Sounds performing at WOMEX in 2011

Sotho Sounds recorded their debut album Sotho Sounds Malealea, produced by Risenga Makondo, in 2003.^[2] The band sold the album on CDs at concerts.^[4] In July 2003 Sotho Sounds performed at WOMAD festival in the UK.^[2]

In 2012 Sotho Sounds' album Junk Funk was released on Riverboat Records.^[5] Robin Denselow of The Guardian wrote of the album that "[Sotho Sounds'] approach may be rough and ready but their energy and enthusiasm are contagious."^[6] In a review of the album, The Independent compared Sotho Sounds favourably to Konono Nº1 and Staff Benda Bilili, who also play self-made instruments.^[7] That same year Sotho Sounds told Deutschlandfunk that most Basotho were more interested in western music than the traditional music that they play.^[8]

Discography

Albums

• Sotho Sounds Malealea (2003)
• Junk Funk (2012, Riverboat Records)