Release Radar: Morena Leraba drop highly anticipated first single ‘Morea-rea’ off upcoming EP

The release of the first single off Morena Leraba’s forthcoming EP marks an important step in the musician and band’s aim to use its music to house older versions of Sesotho language.

Titled “Morea-rea”, the single is part of a tradition that emphasises phrases, idioms, proverbs, riddles, and many other aspects of Sesotho language and is a continuation of this preservation, in the way of many Basotho authors/writers and musicians before Morena Leraba.

“Morea-rea could translate to entanglement, problem, confusion or chaos in Sesotho language,” says Leraba. “While language or oral traditions could answer some of the anthropological questions presently, the aim of this record (or the music of Morena Leraba in general) is to house older versions of Sesotho language which is declining due to modern influences and English (or colonial languages) as mediums of communication in a more globalised world.”

“Therefore, the phrase “Li eme ka Lekoa, li hana ho tšela” (meaning herds cannot cross Lekoa river because it is full) in the song is still used by Basotho today when they encounter a problem or difficulty: Lekoa is present-day Vaal River in present-day Free State in South Africa. So, the phrase came (arguably) when Basotho herders or nomads — before or during colonial settlements and boundaries — would encounter the difficulty of crossing the river with herds of cattle when full, during their grazing migrations, probably. Another proverb in Morea-rea is “Maliba ho phsa a matala” which could directly translate to “deep rivers or waters do run dry and the greenery around” — it is said, the proverb was used in the olden days when referring to the death of rulers or leaders (or their demise); meaning, in many cases, their legacy and philosophies, somehow, die with them. This could also mean change or shift (normally from good to bad).”

In “Morea-rea” Morena Leraba outlines difficulties, challenges and changes (again posed by COVID-19 as a global pandemic, presently) in the music scene — the need to be able to manoeuvre and remain afloat through the tides.

Over the past eight years, Morena Leraba has become a globally acclaimed flagbearer of a remodelled Lesotho sound, manifested through a series of live performances, numerous high-wattage collaborations with artists such as Major Lazer, Moonchild Sanelly, BLK JKS, inclusion in Damn Alburns ‘ African Express’  and, due out in 2023, a debut EP recorded in Johannesburg. 

“Our record simply solidifies the dynamism in our sound — coming of age, and we’re humbled by your patience and optimism,” says the band of its highly-anticipated and long-awaited first release.