Why has Lesotho’s Famo music scene become deadly?
Artists and fans affiliated with Lesotho’s Famo music have been killed in recent times
Africa Daily · BBC World Service
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Show Notes
Famo is often described as Lesotho’s “traditional music” and is the country’s leading music genre.
In recent times, rivalry among Famo artistes has led to bloodshed.
Some music experts say this recent behaviour mirrors some of the US hip hop rivaly in the 1990s; the so-called East Coast v West Coast beef.
Many Famo artists are divided into two warring factions, Terene and Seakhi.
Terene members are known for draping their distinct yellow traditional blankets over their shoulders.
Those who belong to Seakhi, prefer blue and black blankets. The two have been clashing for years, leading to the deaths of dozens of people.
But what’s behind the battles?
Alan Kasujja speaks to Famo’s experts and local musicians.