Local content is king

The Kingdom is alive with possibilities. It’s a virgin territory ready to blossom into the power house it was always meant to be.

I’m talking specifically in the context of content creation and creative output. We have so many brilliant creative minds, who are not only great at conceptualising but are actually activating their creative nous. Perhaps some of these mavericks get missed because they’re hiding in plain sight. In this piece I will talk about some of the creative elements I’m seeing and loving.

I’ll start with a production I’m on; That Rugby Show Maseru (TRS Maseru)is a rugby show as the name suggests that I co-host with some really good rugby minds in Baholo Chimombe, Batebang Mapetla as well as Duncan Ekasi. Like me the three are rugby mad and not only play the game, but also appreciate the intricacies that come with analysis and deep dive.

It is expertly shot, edited and produced by Motikoe Khiba; easily one of the country’s premier videographers and visual story tellers. The show comes out every Wednesday and aims to keep the viewer abreast of all the happenings in rugby from around the globe including Lesotho. Watch the space for more content on “Likatola” and the local rugby scene. You will find the show on YouTube.

Other local YouTube channels I’m enjoying are “The Jump podcast”, “Escapes with TeeKay”, “Real talks with Pinks”, “The tell it all podcast”, and something magical is brewing with DJ Allegros podcast! All of these guys and girls are doing really great work, telling authentic Basotho stories. Some with interesting personalities, others with people we ought to know and celebrate.

The quality of the interactions is really good too. Nothing too salacious, nor edgy necessarily, just interesting bits and bobs for the viewer to enjoy. It’s really wonderful. I like the fact that Basotho are not getting left behind in the content creation scene, and that many are producing really high quality stuff that would compete internationally. It’s sad that YouTube and Google don’t currently allow our content to be monetized, but we ought to persevere. One day, in the not too distant future, Sky Alpha HD and other independent, commercial broadcasters will be able to pick one or two of these shows up on their platforms.

Creative arts isn’t limited to content creation that’s audiovisual. A young artist by the name of Uncle Donze is also shooting the lights out with his canvas work. Of course, we all know the legendary Meshu and his amazing charcoal work, and now Uncle Donze and a host of others are carrying his legacy forward with their own pieces. Many of these young artists exhibited at His Majesty’s Diamond Era celebrations last year. Some had never seen their works go for the sums they did. It was a point of great pride for me to see a couple go for hundreds of thousands and actually spark bidding wars. The art scene is on a wonderful upward trajectory and I say long may that continue! I believe this past weekend a couple of the guys got together and organized an exhibition for their pieces. It was well attended and I think a success overall. I love that, and I love it for them!

Then there is the apparel designers. Last year I spoke glowingly of Basutoland Ink. I must also big up the “Made In Lesotho” brand which has also been producing exceptional work for a long time now. With that said, it is difficult to talk textiles and not include the absolutely splendid “Joachim Garments.

I dare say, they are the shining example of textile production at the moment. Hip, urban contemporary items for the urban yuppie. My intention is to spend many of my money’s at their retail outlet! I love all the stuff coming out of there. From the T-Shirts to the tracksuits to the two-piece fits! Babaghnoush, City Kings, Nobodies, FMCK (For Middle Class Kids) and a host of others are also doing magnificent work and the Shipa online platform is making it easier and easier  for one to get their hands on these works.

The talent is on the shop floor. Basotho youth are hungry, they are fired up and they are putting their money where their collective mouths are. Now it’s just for the market to recognize it and reward it accordingly… Content is king.