Leomile Motsetsela

Leomile Motsetsela (born 1993) is a Lesotho-born music artist. She writes and composes Afro-fusion and urban African soul music, blending them with jazz and poetic recitation, which she calls "the new gospel". Her musical storytelling genre explores African identity, decolonisation, feminism and self-love.

She hails from Maseru, Lesotho and studied film in Johannesburg, South Africa.

Early life and career Leomile was born in Thetsane West in Maseru and started writing music at the age of 9. She was part of a poetry club in Maseru. Her musical work is rooted in African storytelling traditions. She frequently integrates Sesotho folktales, traditional attire and spoken word poetry into her performances. Leomile describes her genre as "new gospel", with its lyrics uniquely revolving around personal introspection, love, African identity and empowerment. She has once told the Sunday Times that she views her music as "self-portraiture" and storytelling. In 2016, Leomile released her debut album titled Pula Molomo. The 13-track album was co-produced by Leomile and featured musicians such as Ntate Thabang Noosi, Kenridge Rambau, and Zelizwe Mthembu. The album combines English and Sesotho lyrics, and was nominated for Album of the Year and Best Newcomer at Lesotho’s Ultimate FM Music Awards.

Discography

Pula Molomo, 2016 Ke Naleli EP, 2023 Nevermind EP, 2024