Bokang Moleli (4 July 1992 – 24 July 2024), known professionally as Malome Vector, was a Lesotho singer-songwriter and rapper.[1] Born and raised in Roma, Maseru, Vector's musical career began at the age of 14 in 2004 as a school choir participant prior to competing on talent shows.[1][2] Vector was one of the young artists who expressed their culture & language in HipHop music, as in most of his songs he sings in the Sotho language.
Malome Vector | |
|---|---|
| Birth name | Bokang Moleli |
| Born | 4 July 1992 Roma, Lesotho |
| Origin | Roma, Maseru, Lesotho |
| Died | 24 July 2024 (aged 32) N1, Free State, South Africa |
| Genres |
|
| Occupation | Singer-songwriter |
| Years active | 2004-2024 |
| Labels |
|
Malome relocated to South Africa and signed a recording deal with Ambitiouz Entertainment in 2020.[3] Vector rose to prominence with his debut single "Dumelang" released in 2019 which became commercially successful and certified double platinum in South Africa.[4]
Career
editIn 2020, Vector relocated to South Africa and signed a recording deal with Ambitiouz Entertainment.[5]
Malome appeared on "Price To Pay" as single by South African DJ Miss Pru along with duo Blaq Diamond released on 8 May 2020.[5]
He received a nomination for Best Artist, Duo or Group in African Traditional at the 2021 All Africa Music Awards .[6]
His debut studio album Karabo, was released on 7 January 2022.[citation needed] Karabo debuted at number 1 on iTunes South Africa.[citation needed] It was supported by three singles "Dumelang", "No Body", and "Lerato".
Following the exit from his former recording label, Molome established The Whole Entertainment and began to work on his extended play.[7] In February 2024, he revealed his extended play 1964, via Instagram.[7]
His extended play 1964, was released on 28 March 2024.[8] 1964 is an afro-pop record incorporating the elements of rnb, soul and afro beats.[8]
Death
editVector died in a road collision on 24 July 2024, on N1 in Free State while traveling to Lesotho. Vector was 32 years old.[9]
Singles
editAs lead artist
edit| Title | Year | Peak chart positions | Certifications | Album | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ZA | |||||||
| "Dumelang" (featuring Blaq Diamond) | 2019 | — | 2× Platinum | Karabo | |||
| "Follow" | 2020 | — | Non-album single | ||||
| "No Body" | 2021 | Karabo | |||||
| "Lerato" | — | ||||||
| "Ha Hona Taba" (Zinkz Dee, Malome Vector) | — | Non-album single | |||||
| "Costa" (featuring Dee the General, Lizwi Wokuqala) | 2023 | — | Non-album single | ||||
| "My Woman" (Onesimus, Malome Vector featuring Lizwi Wokuqala & Janta MW) | — | Non-album single | |||||
| "Long Time" (Malome Vector featuring Lizwi Wokuqala, Ntate Stunna | — | Non-album single | |||||
| "Fancy Life" | — | Non-album single | |||||
| "Ke Uratile" | — | Non-album single | |||||
| "X2" (featuring Chvna) | 2024 | — | Non-album single | ||||
| "—" denotes a recording that did not chart or was not released in that territory. | |||||||
Discography
editStudio albums
edit- Karabo (2022)
- 1964 (2024)
Awards and nominations
editSouth African Music Awards
edit| Year | Nominee / work | Award | Result | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | "Price to Pay" | Best Music Video of the Year | Won | [10] |
| 2024 | Karabo | Rest of Africa | Nominated | [11][12] |
References
edit- ^ a b "Malome Vector: A New Wave of Sesotho Rap". Red Bull. 16 September 2020. Archived from the original on 9 May 2024. Retrieved 25 July 2024.
- ^ Archary, Natasha (11 September 2021). "Malome Vector says 'Dumelang' on the Ultimate Kaya 959 Top 30". Kaya 959. Archived from the original on 28 September 2021. Retrieved 25 July 2024.
- ^ Magagula, Nompumelelo (18 January 2022). "Malome Vector's prayers have been answered". South Africa: News24. Archived from the original on 27 August 2023. Retrieved 25 July 2024.
- ^ "Malome Vector goes Platinum". Public Eye News. 6 July 2021. Archived from the original on 20 May 2024. Retrieved 25 July 2024.
- ^ a b Makhabela, Sabelo (2 September 2020). "Interview: Malome Vector On His Success, 'I Feel Like a King'". OkayAfrica. Retrieved 25 July 2024.
- ^ Hansen, Gabriel Myers (23 September 2021). "All Africa Music Awards 2021: All the nominees". Music in Africa. Archived from the original on 26 September 2021. Retrieved 25 July 2024.
- ^ a b "Malome Vector Unveils Inspirations Behind Highly Anticipated EP "1964"". 28 February 2024. Retrieved 25 July 2024.
- ^ a b "Lesotho: Malome Vector shares debut album 1964". Music in Africa. 28 March 2024. Archived from the original on 22 May 2024. Retrieved 25 July 2024.
- ^ Mphande, Joy (25 July 2024). "The Lion of Lesotho's sun has set. Tributes pour in for Malome Vector". Times Live. Retrieved 25 July 2024.
- ^ Shumba, Ano (31 July 2021). "SAMAs 2021: All the winners". Music in Africa. Archived from the original on 11 January 2022. Retrieved 25 July 2024.
- ^ Kekana, Chrizelda (28 August 2022). "#Samas28 first night celebrates artists and set the tone for a 'fiery' night two". TshisaLIVE.
- ^ Shumba, Ano (28 August 2022). "SAMAs 2022 Day 1: All the winners". Music In Africa.