Morena Leraba

Teboho Mochaoa, known commonly by his stage name Morena Leraba is a Lesotho-born singer and rapper. He mainly uses traditional sesotho lyrics and combines them with electro, afro house and Hip hop. His lyrics are deeply rooted in Lesotho's traditional music, poetry, and its sub-genre, famo.

He comes from the Matholeng village in Mafeteng, Lesotho, and has gained international acclaim for his innovative fusion of traditional Famo-inspired vocals with a variety of musical genres. His debut album, Fela sa Ha Mojela (2023), showcases this genre-defying sound, blending elements from his shepherd roots and experiences in Johannesburg. His music addresses themes of migration, labor, resilience, and spirituality, drawing on stories from his community and travels. Morena Leraba's rise to prominence includes high-profile collaborations with Major Lazer, Damon Albarn, ONIPA, and BLK JKS, as well as notable performances at the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games and the Sentebale AUDI Concert.

A pivotal figure in reimagining Sesotho traditional music, Morena Leraba has merged his cultural heritage with global sounds, leading to significant projects like the CollaboNation 2023 initiative, where he collaborated with Zimbabwe's Mokoomba. His work with artists from South Africa and beyond has created a unique and evolving musical style that transcends language barriers. Morena Leraba's music is celebrated for its psychedelic, entrancing, and future-facing qualities, earning him a place on the international stage while staying deeply connected to his Lesotho roots.