Lerato Lichaba

Lerato Lichaba is a self-taught guitarist, composer, arranger and all-round conceptualist. He is the founder of the prolific Soweto ensemble, Urban Village. His music style is inspired by his life experiences and how different cultures and traditions blend in the language of his music. Lerato’s music project, Corners of Forgotten Theories (COFT), aims to create a new music language that will take listeners to a forgotten yet familiar place.
Corners of Forgotten Theories was inspired by the scarcity of knowledge that defines us as an African people beyond our modern lifestyle. We are increasingly moving away from our identity and cultural dominion and thus not putting into place structures and platforms that complement our traditions and heritage. COFT is thus a soundscape of musical freedom that aims to channel Africans as spiritual and emotional beings first.

He founded Urban Village in 2013 and was later joined by Tubatsi Mpho Moloi, Xolani “Cush” Mtshali and Simangaliso “Smash” Dlamini, all inspired by an innate love for music, Their unique sound comes from a blend of folk music, Zulu rock, Xhosa funk, mbaqanga and maskandi layered with electric and funky acoustic melodies.