# Tsepo Tshola
## Early Life and Beginnings in Music

Tsepo Mobu Tshola (August 15, 1953 – July 15, 2021) was a Lesotho-born jazz musician, composer, songwriter, and vocalist. He was widely recognised for his contributions to Afro-jazz and fusion music in Southern Africa. Born in Teyateyaneng, Lesotho, he was introduced to music at an early age through his parents, Reverend Mokoteli Tshola and 'Malimpho Tshola, both of whom were involved in the African Methodist Episcopal Church and were members of the vocal group The Vertical 8.

## Career

Tshola’s professional music career began when he joined the Lesotho Blue Diamonds as a vocalist at the age of 17. In the early 1970s, he co-founded the band Anti-Antiques with guitarist and composer Frank Leepa, which later became Uhuru (meaning "Freedom" in Swahili). Uhuru gained prominence for its Afro-jazz and rock fusion sound, as well as for its politically charged lyrics. The band's music was critical of apartheid-era policies, leading to a ban on their performances in South Africa. Despite this, they continued to perform in the Transkei region (now part of South Africa's Eastern Cape) and became a resident band at Maseru’s Victoria Hotel.
In the early 1980s, Uhuru evolved into Sankomota, regarded as one of Lesotho’s most influential Afro-fusion ensembles. In 1983, South African producer Lloyd Ross recorded their debut album, Sankomota, which featured the song It’s Raining. During his tenure with the band, Tshola met with prominent South African musicians, including Miriam Makeba and Hugh Masekela, who became instrumental in shaping his career. Masekela invited Tsepo to join him on tours across Southern Africa, the UK, and the United States. By 1985, Tsepo relocated to London, where he was later joined by Sankomota band members through the help and assistance of South African musician Julian Bahula. Following the unbanning of the African National Congress (ANC) and the release of Nelson Mandela in 1990, he returned to South Africa and participated in Hugh Masekela’s Sekunjalo Tour in 1991.

## Solo Career

Following the dissolution of Sankomota, Tshola pursued a solo career. His debut solo album, The Village Pope (1994), established his reputation as a leading musician in the region. His popular hits include songs such as Ho Lokile, Aku Butle, Madambadamba, Nonyana, Look to Thee, Shine Your Light, Ntate, Bonang Sepanong, Kithigithi, Lahlaphahlapha, and Beaulah Land. His music incorporated elements of gospel, Afro-jazz, and traditional Basotho music, often addressing themes of spirituality, resilience, and social justice.

## Personal Life and Struggles

Tshola was married, but his wife passed away in 1991. He did not remarry and had two sons, Kamohelo Tshola and Katleho Tshola. He was open about his struggles with substance abuse, attributing them to the pressures of his career. In later years, he spoke publicly about his journey toward overcoming addiction, which resonated with many of his listeners.

## Death

Tshola died on July 15, 2021, due to complications related to COVID-19 at Berea Hospital in Teyateyaneng. His career spanned nearly five decades, during which he played a significant role in shaping the Afro-jazz and fusion music scene in Lesotho and South Africa. His contributions to music and his impact on the Southern African music industry continue to be recognised posthumously.

## Discography

| Year | Title | Label |
| 1993 | The Village Pope | The CCP Record Company |
| 2003 | Leseli | The CCP Record Company |
| 2003 | New Dawn | Global Star Entertainment |
| 2005 | Winding Rivers and Waterfalls | Global Star Entertainment |
| 2009 | Reconciliation | The CCP Record Company |
| 2009 | Let's Hold Hands | The CCP Record Company |
| 2010 | Ask Me | The CCP Record Company |
| 2013 | The Quintessence of Tsepo Tshola | Matshela Entertainment |
| 2022 | Covid-19 (Single) | Ramaibi Entertainment |