MALEH
Maleh began her musical journey in the heart of the majestic mountain Kingdom of Lesotho where she was born and raised. The vocalist’s professional career took off in Bloemfontein where she joined Afro-Pop group Kaya, which released their debut album ‘Kunzima’, winning them the Metro FM best newcomer award in 2005.
Between 2010 and 2011 Maleh featured on several hit collaborations including Dj Qness ‘Uzongilinda’ & ‘Time’, DJ Ganyani ‘Not so Far’ and the international hit with DJ Kent Falling Maleh’s Maleh’s much anticipated 2011 debut album ‘Step Child’ was a twelve (12) track Neo Afro-Soul production. The album was a leap of faith, an intuitive exploration of soulful melodies drawn from the landscape of Lesotho. It became a call and response for Maleh, textured with tales of migrancy, folklore and moments of deep self-reflection. ‘Step Child’ achieved much success with singles ‘Chimsoro’ and ‘Under My Skin’ receiving high rotation air play on commercial radio stations and topping radio charts throughout the country. The album further earned her two nominations in the 2013 Metro FM Music Awards in the ‘Best African Pop’ and ‘Best Contemporary Jazz’ categories.
Step Child’ was later nominated for the 2013 South African Music Awards, winning The Best African Adult Album. Her follow-up album and first single ‘You Make My Heart Go’ was released in December 2014. The song was later listed on the Guardian UK playlist as one of the top five songs to come from Africa in 2015. It topped iTunes and radio charts in Ghana, Burkina Faso, Kenya, Nigeria, Botswana Swaziland, Mozambique, Moldova, Paris, UK, Spain and Brazil. ‘You Make My Heart Go’ was nominated at the 2015 XXI South African Music Awards and won the award for the Best African Adult Album. Her concert repertoire has placed her on lineups with artists such as Angie Stone, Tamia, Kerry Hilson, and Oliver Mtukudzi and has had great audience reception throughout the globe including South Africa, Mozambique, Lesotho, Botswana and Portugal.
After a 5 year hiatus, Maleh has returned with Her recent album , titled Lerato Laka which, was released in February 2022 and launched in London through her Uk agent Utour. This recent body of work was produced by Nigerian born artist Victor Ikeigbo aka ‘Goldsmithonthebeat’ and has expanded the artist’s market reach by brilliantly fusing the customary African drum patterns and raw basslines of West Africa, with the smooth classic soulful sounds and melodies that are distinct to Southern African music. The album has already won Maleh a Basadi in Women African Award. After 20 years in the industry, Maleh promises to be the kind of artist that is likely to stand the test of time.