Since music is produced by and for the people it usually associated with any cultural activity or ritual surronding the Basotho people, birth, marriage, initiation and divination. These traditions are evident from much Sesotho literature which includes lithoko (praise poems), lipina (songs) and lifela (melodic poetry). In Basotho since musical sound is shaped by the people's values, beliefs and traditions, the Basotho songs are known to mark cultural experiences. For example, praise singing is mostly competitive recitation of songs and poems about the experiences of Basotho men working on mines.
These songs are refered to as lifela tsa litsamaea naha means song of the travellers. The most common dances mokorotlo, the mohobelo and the mokhibo. The mokorotho dance is perfomed by the men for the chief on important occasions is also taught as a song to the youths at initiation school serving to give them strength, courage and motivation to persevere during their isolation in the mountains.
Basotho boys on initiation
Mokorotlo is derived from the word ho korotla meaning to grumble in a low voice most appropriate during battle. In the past the Basotho men sang mokorotlo when they prepared to go to war which gave them a zeal and motivation.
Basotho men prepared for war.
The mohobelo is a dance that requires endurance and energy and is also perfomed by the men, mainly in the evening entertainment and amusement. The makhibo is women's dance perfomed on the knees the body gently rising and falling as the hands are swept upwards in the air. Lipina tsa tantsi are songs which there is a informal choir, female dancers, clapping and a steady rhythm and pace.
The Basotho women performing during different ceremonies.
Music is used as a way of soothing people during their hard times. It therefore acts as a painkiller
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ReplyDeleteYes Bella especially those boys on initiation ceremony sometimes they feel like giving up but music motivate and gave them strength to endure the pain.
ReplyDeleteIndeed these people are philosophers because their songs teach them different things like how to help each other. Moreover, they play a pivotal role in guidance and counseling.I like your culture.
ReplyDeletenice interesting story about the BaSotho people and also the information is well displayed ,this is great broe
ReplyDeleteyour culture is so complex and the philosophy behind it is rich
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ReplyDeletel admire the Basotho people because of the way their cultural norms.Their culture actually motivates the young generation of the Basotho people not to neglect their culture and tradition because its whats actually defines them ,where their values come from
ReplyDeletewow, this is interesting, thank you for this research I am learning much about the Basotho culture and tradition. Your work is amazing
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