Arts and Creative Industries / Music / Live Music Lab Maseru: Empowering Lesotho’s next generation of music talent

Live Music Lab Maseru: Empowering Lesotho’s next generation of music talent

Arts and Creative Industries
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31 December

Live Music Lab, a transformative platform for aspiring musicians, made its debut in Maseru, Lesotho, from 14 to 22 December 2024.

This initiative, following earlier editions in Johannesburg and Cape Town, offered 17 young musicians aged 18-25 the opportunity to develop their artistic and industry skills in an intensive, two-day training programme—free of charge.

Organised by the French Institute of South Africa (IFAS), Bassline, and the Alliance Française de Maseru, in collaboration with the Lesotho Tourism Festival (LETOFE) and the U.S. Embassy in Lesotho, Live Music Lab Maseru provided a blend of hands-on training in music performance—focusing on bass, drums, guitar, vocals, and DJing—and the essential business know-how needed to navigate the live music industry.

Participants had the chance to showcase their talent on major platforms as select musicians performed or worked at the Oh La La Music Festival on December 14th, held at Alliance Française de Maseru, and the Standard Lesotho Bank LETOFE Lifestyle Festival on December 21st, held at the Thaba Bosiu Cultural Village.

Live Music Lab Maseru continued the 25-year legacy of collaboration between Bassline and IFAS, fostering inclusivity and excellence in the African music landscape.

Bassline’s Founder, Brad Holmes said:

This programme is more than just a workshop—it is a launchpad for young creatives looking to turn their passion into a thriving career in music. This edition celebrates Lesotho’s vibrant cultural heritage while equipping its youth with the skills and confidence to succeed.

Director of the Alliance Française de Maseru, Elisabeth Douillet, also expressed:

Live Music Lab is about creating opportunities, nurturing talent, and amplifying voices that deserve to be heard, which is a priority for France in Lesotho. Lesotho’s music scene holds incredible potential, and we’re excited to be involved in helping young artists unlock it.

About the partners 

  • Bassline: A pioneer in South Africa’s live music industry, Bassline has supported artistic innovation and cultural collaboration for over three decades. 
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