LesothoS Famo Music Scene Plunged into Deadly Gang Violence
MASERU, Lesotho – A uniquely Lesotho musical tradition, famo, has become tragically intertwined with escalating gang violence, spilling over the border into South Africa and prompting a government crackdown. The conflict, rooted in lyrical disses between rival musicians, has resulted in numerous deaths, including that of popular famo star Khopolo Kholue and a journalist investigating the wars, in July.
Famo music,traditionally performed by men in blankets,has evolved to include increasingly aggressive lyrical content,sparking real-world animosity between artists and their supporters. The situation mirrors the intense rivalry of 1990s East Coast-West Coast hip-hop, with deadly consequences. Lesotho, a nation of 2.3 million, already struggles with high murder rates and widespread illegal firearms.
Mpho Malikeng, a musician and cultural activist from Lesotho, explains the dynamic as a form of competitive lyrical battle. “It’s like a rap battle, so you have to diss your fellow battler, by dissing them, you’re making them come up with better verses, and they’re also dissing you back,” he says. This “dissing” has escalated beyond lyrics, with territorial disputes adding fuel to the fire. “You cannot be in a certain area listening to so-and-so….It may even cost you your life,” Malikeng adds.
The violence has extended to South Africa, impacting the zama zamas – illegal miners, many of whom are Basotho – who operate in abandoned mine shafts. These miners, risking their lives for a livelihood, are also becoming embroiled in famo-related gang activity.
Prime Minister Ntsokoane Matekane has acknowledged the problem extends into the security forces, stating, “We have learned as the government that some members of the security agencies are on the front row in these famo gangs. I appeal to them to quit that thing and do what they are employed to do.” Despite the severity of the situation, attempts to obtain comment from police minister Lebona Lephema were unsuccessful; he declined to comment and ended a phone call with NPR.
While the government has implemented bans in an attempt to curb the violence,some,like Malikeng,believe the approach is flawed,particularly given allegations of political and security force involvement. “It has even infiltrated into the political landscape of the country, the politicians use all this to try and garner support for electioneering,” he says.
Seema, known as the “Queen of Famo,” declined to comment directly on the gang wars but stated her preference for music that avoids “vulgarity, insults, or hate.”
