Tshepo Tshola

Tsepo Tshola: The Voice That Became a Nation’s Memory

A Childhood Rooted in Song

Tsepo Tshola’s musical journey began in Teyateyaneng, Lesotho, where he was born on 15 August 1953. With a minister for a father, he grew up surrounded by church hymns and the emotional weight of religious music — influences that would later merge with Sesotho musical traditions to shape his powerful, unmistakable sound.

In the late 1970s, he co-founded the band Uhuru, which soon evolved into Sankomota, the Afro-jazz fusion group that would become a cultural force across Southern Africa. As lead singer and songwriter, Tshola carried Sankomota’s voice with a depth and authority that earned him the affectionate title many still use: The Village Pope.

The Solo Path

Tshola launched his solo career in 2002 with the album ‘New Dawn’. The success of the project cemented his place as a musical storyteller whose voice could rise from tenderness to thunder. He followed it with albums such as ‘Lesedi’ and ‘The Village Pope’, while continuing to travel internationally and collaborate with a spectrum of artists including Jub Jub and Cassper Nyovest.

Later Work and Legacy

In his later years, Tshola gravitated towards gospel music, collaborating with leading South African artists such as Dr Rebecca Malope. His contribution to African music earned him major honours, including the Metro FM Lifetime Achievement Award and the YoMzansi Lifetime Achievement Award.
In 2018 he received one of Lesotho’s highest accolades, the Commander of the Most Loyal Order of Ramatšeatsana, awarded by His Majesty King Letsie III.

Tshola passed away on 15 July 2021 in Lesotho due to complications related to COVID-19. His death marked the end of an era, but not the end of the voice that continues to echo through Southern Africa’s musical history.

Personal Journey

Tshola spoke openly in the early 2000s about his battle with drug addiction, using his experience to encourage healing and honesty. He had two sons, Kamohelo and Katleho, both singers who carry elements of his musical legacy forward.
His wife passed away in 1991, and he never remarried.

Awards and Honours

• Metro FM Lifetime Achievement Award (2016)
• Commander of the Most Loyal Order of Ramatšeatsana (2018)
• YoMzansi Lifetime Achievement Award

Photo by Francewear