MASERU– Lesotho Kingdom’s nightingale and Jazz icon, Tsepo Tshola was today laid to rest at the Heroes Acre in Thaba-Bosiu, Lesotho.
Tshola succumbed to the novel virus on 15 July at the age of 68 in his hometown Berea hospital at Teya-teyaneng.
Though the nation would have loved to see him off in large numbers, the stringent Covid-19 regulations did not permit such.
On behalf of the Christian Council of Lesotho (CCL) Reverend Teboho Molapo said, “TsepoTshola knew no color nor height, he never discriminated and treated everyone with equal respect.
“What many did not know is that besides the Commander of the Most Loyal Order of Ramatšeatsana award, he had also received Honorary Bishop award in the African Methodist Episcopal (A.M.E) in Africa, he has done his part and like he always said let’s take the baton and run, may we do that and continue with the journey.
His brother Liteboho Tshola said if there is anything that his brother would have loved would be to sing for His Majesties like he had done in eSwatini.
On behalf of other artists Mr Motlatsi Molefi who is also a singer said he first met the ‘Village Pope’ when he joined Sunday school in AME as a young boy and the deceased is the only one who believed in him when all else doubted him.
He said he had joined him while with Sankomota and in his solo career.
“He has set us the highest bar and we need to maintain that and make sure that we rub shoulders with those we never thought we would,” said a teary Molefi.
South African Composer and Producer Lebogang Morake popularly known as “Lebo M” also lauded Tshola for his talent.
“With all due respect I would like to pass my gratitude to Basotho as my life began here in Lesotho…I want to take this opportunity to honor this great man and it is rare to find anyone like him, a person who could represent two cultures at the same time like ntate Tshola did,” said “Lebo M”.
