Listen to the New EP “Katleho”
Lesotho-born hip-hop artist Chereh Sputswe is set to release his highly anticipated 8-track EP titled ‘Katleho’, a project that digs deep into life’s most profound challenges and triumphs. The focus track, ‘Mabele’, features Thope Tse Khang, a fellow Lesotho artist, whose contribution blends seamlessly with Chereh’s distinctive hip-hop Sotho flair. Their collaboration is both complimentary and organic, showcasing the strength of Basotho talent working together to tell meaningful stories through music.
‘Katleho’ is a vulnerable exploration of real issues. Across its tracks, Chereh Sputswe confronts themes such as alcoholism, love, the pain of losing a parent, and the complexities of grief. Delivered with his trademark style that fuses hip-hop energy with Sotho cultural rhythms, the EP will resonate with listeners by presenting lived realities in a relatable, authentic way.
Chereh Sputswe born in 1994, in Lesotho, began his music career in Rustenburg (SA), before steadily rising within the region’s hip-hop scene. Over the years, he has released multiple projects, including Puleng, Zingboy Way Back, and Just Blaq Wayback. His singles such as ‘Mqombothi’ (featuring Thope Tse Khang) which has a remix in the new EP, ‘Nama’, and ‘Lekopokopo La Joala’ have earned him a growing fan base across Southern Africa, with millions of streams and strong online engagement. Chereh’s creative vision is also tied to the D’kokotane Musik movement and his affiliation with RoomaneInc Records, both of which have been central to shaping his career and reach.
In November 2024, Chereh Sputswe reached a major milestone when he was officially signed by Universal Music South Africa, becoming one of the few artists from the FAMO genre, a traditional Sesotho musical style, to join a global label. FAMO, much like Maskandi, enjoys a strong following in South Africa and is rooted in Basotho heritage. This signing positions Chereh as a leading voice in bringing both hip-hop and Sesotho cultural music to wider audiences.
The project arrives at a time when cultural iterations of genres are gaining increasing attention across Southern Africa. Artists are carving out unique identities by blending global sounds with traditional roots, and Chereh Sputswe is at the forefront of this wave. His artistry continues the momentum set by trailblazers like the late Malome Vector, whose legacy has brought widespread publicity to this movement. With ‘Katleho’, Chereh proudly carries the baton forward, championing a genre that is rapidly growing in popularity and cultural significance.
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