A Shepherd Took Over the City Last Night
Morena Leraba, a Lesotho-born artist, captivated the audience at The Pink Room in Cape Town with his unique blend of traditional famo music and modern sounds. His performance was not just a concert; it was a transformative experience that connected listeners to their roots and each other.
A Shepherd Took Over the City Last Night
When Morena Leraba stepped onto the stage at The Pink Room at Gigi Rooftop, the city skyline seemed to pause. Wrapped in his shepherd’s blanket and crowned with his mosetla hat, he opened a portal to the past, present, and future through his music.
A Journey Through Sound
Born Teboho Mochaoa in Ha-Mojela, Mafeteng, this Lesotho-born artist has always embodied the spirit of the mountains in his voice. On that rooftop, his voice felt both ancient and futuristic. The accordion pulse of famo—music rooted in the songs of Basotho migrant workers—intertwined seamlessly with reverbed synths and hypnotic percussion. His staccato Sesotho raps cut through the night air, echoing ancestral stories while meeting contemporary beats.
Collective Experience
From the very first note, the crowd leaned in. Tracks from his recent release, Fela Sa Ha Mojela, shimmered under the stars, guiding listeners on an inward journey. There were moments when eyes closed, shoulders swayed, and strangers moved as one. It transcended mere music; it was a tapestry of memory, migration, and modernity.
A Grounded Presence
Morena Leraba’s presence was magnetic yet grounded. Between rhythms, you could sense the shepherd—the storyteller—reminding us that African sound has always been experimental and global. His collaborations with boundary-pushing producers from Brooklyn to Johannesburg have expanded his reach, yet the soul of his craft remains deeply Basotho.
A Transformative Finale
As he wrapped up with his final song, the rooftop felt transformed. The applause was not just loud; it was filled with gratitude, a shared acknowledgment of the journey they had just experienced. People were not ready for it to end because the performance had become something personal, a reminder of who we are when we listen closely to our roots.
Connecting Through Art
As the lights dimmed, one thing was clear: when African artists stand fully in their truth, they don’t just perform—they awaken something collective in us all. This performance highlighted the importance of cultural expression as we approach the Investec Cape Town Art Fair in 2026, an event that aims to explore the theme of listening as an active, ethical gesture in our shared artistic journey.
Join us in celebrating the incredible talent in Cape Town and beyond, as artists like Morena Leraba remind us of the power of sound, memory, and connection.
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