Maffah is a singer from Lesotho, a tiny country completely surrounded by South Africa. She lost her mother in 2009. Since then, she’s been living with her dad, a pastor and carpenter.
“He is 70 years now,” she tells me. “At first, it was hard for him to understand my music, but I loved it so much that he had to support me. He is amazing.”
The youngest of four brothers and two sisters, 21-year-old Maffah describes herself as the “black sheep” of the family, before allowing a knowing chuckle; suggesting she’s more innocent than her musical persona may suggest.
Malefa Evodia Maffah Suping was born in Lesotho’s capital Maseru. Malefa means “inheritance” in Sesotho, she says, and the young woman with the stage name Maffah is searching for an audience to inherit her music.
Performing in Lesotho for almost a year, the house and dancehall artist is not shy in expressing herself. I spoke with her about life, Lesotho, and the hurdles she’s overcoming to pursue a musical career.
How long have you been singing and performing music?
It’s been about nine months. I guess I started properly on 1 August 2016, when I released my first single. I am still quite new to the music industry. But I’ve been singing and performing for fun for a long time.
Do you remember your first gig?
It was incredible, and the most nerve-wrecking thing ever. It was the first time I’d been on stage, but I killed it. From that day, I knew it was my calling.
Why did you get into music?
I love music. I am really passionate about it. I think God gave me this talent and I want to keep breathing life into it. Apart from all that, I am also trying to make a living from my music. I want this to be my career.
Who influences your music?
Where to start?! Honestly, Trina (an American rapper) and Rihanna are amazing. They are definitely the ones that inspire me to do music.
Do you write your music?
I write my own lyrics. As for the beats, I have worked with Monarch Beats in South Africa, and Andy Lyrical Beats. I also work with music producer T2. He is the one who masters and mixes my vocals. And I work with my crew, Boycott, and I collaborate with dancehall artist Bodiman. I work with a lot of amazing hip-hop artists, and a range of vocalists and dancers. I’m currently collaborating with a Nigerian singer who’s based in South Africa.
Tell me about a couple of your songs.
‘Ohh Boy’ is a dancehall tune that I wrote after I saw how much my sister loved her hubby. I wrote it for them. They are true love birds, and that love made me write the song. My hook is actually in Shona, the most widely spoken Bantu language. I love using different languages while singing.
And ‘Ke Hloka Wena’ is a house tune I did with DJ Ramblamb, a local Lesotho artist. I had previously collaborated with another artist, Motlatsi, who is friends with DJ Ramlamb. And that’s how Ramlamb came to love my voice. He asked if I could collaborate with him! He sent me the beat and I wrote to it. I decided to write a love song based on the line, ‘Ke hloka wena’, meaning ‘I need you’. It was for my crush!
Describe the Lesotho music scene?
Music in Lesotho isn’t well sponsored nor cared for. Which is funny, because we all love music. Musicians don’t get any royalties at all. It is very hard because there are no companies that deal with music. And we try to perform at shows but we get peanuts. Sometimes we don’t even get paid at all. But Basotho (the Lesotho people) are very talented artists. All we need is to be supported and paid whenever our songs get radio play. And also when we perform at shows.
The government should be more willing support the music and arts industry. And others need to stop being stingy and pay us when we perform at their events. Artists and musicians also need to organise better, to ensure our rights are protected and we get paid the right amounts. Here, I am talking about DJs, producers, radio presenters, everyone in the creative and music sectors. We need a strong union or association that will argue on our behalf with those who are being stingy.
It’s not possible to make a living from performing music. We must work elsewhere in order to invest in our craft. I’m working in catering at the moment. The little money I get from this job helps me to pursue my music. But I won’t lie, it’s not very easy.
As a woman, are there extra barriers for you as a musician?
I meet lots of people who look down on me because I’m female. Many people believe the music industry is for men only; which is a lie. These people want to ruin our lives and want us to sleep with them for a collaboration, or they’ll promise us fame if we sleep with them. Cruel world.
What role does music play in Lesotho politics?
A big role. There are songs for political parties and they are amazing. But these musicians [who sing the political songs] don’t get paid well or paid at all, just like hip-hop, R&B and all other genres.
Where do want to be in five years?
I want to be everywhere! Perform at the Billboard Awards, and maybe somehow get featured by an American artist. I want to still be making music and sharing with the world what I love doing.
This article was originally published by African Independent
BILL SNADDON 