We’ve updated our Terms of Use to reflect our new entity name and address. You can review the changes here.
We’ve updated our Terms of Use. You can review the changes here.

Meritlhoana

by Morena Leraba

supported by
Somatic
Somatic thumbnail
AIAM
AIAM thumbnail
leah_luna
leah_luna thumbnail
/

about

Meritlhoana are foot or ankle rattlers (or shakers) worn mainly by traditional healers or musicians during ceremonies (Hlophe) and other special events and the song is about a spiritual calling. The words of the song, or chorus, are inspired by a song I heard when I was young — a group of traditional healers. Sangomas (or Mathuela in Sesotho) and their trainers singing in my village of Matholeng, in Mafeteng (south-west of Lesotho). Meritlhoana tells the story of a character who has a spiritual calling (ho thoasa in Sesotho) with the message coming through a series of dreams. In these dreams, the character is aware he needs to find answers but he’s confused as some messages are not clear. Eventually, while he’s shrouded in confusion and uncertainty, he hears a voice: “this is a gift, and it is for you”, and, afterwards, everything is clear. The song also draws inspiration from seeing multidisciplinary artist Buhlebezwe Siwane’s exhibition at Hiddingh Campus in Cape Town.  Through the works of many young contemporary South African artists, one realises how apartheid (and Colonialism) has robbed the colonised of so much in present-day South Africa, including their spirituality. Colonial laws and churches demonised “Ubungoma” (or the practice of being a Sangoma) and healers, herbalists and many had to practise in secrecy. Africans’ connection to spirituality was classified as witchcraft and ungodly.

credits

released February 3, 2023

license

all rights reserved

tags

about

The Good Times Co image

The Good Times Co Netherlands

A new age independent artist centric label focussed on developing, exposing and delivering African talent to the European and Global market.

Visit our site for merch, news, events, artist profiles and more.

contact / help

Contact The Good Times Co

Streaming and
Download help

Redeem code

Report this track or account

If you like Meritlhoana, you may also like:

Bandcamp Daily  your guide to the world of Bandcamp

On Bandcamp Radio

Featuring Riley Pinkerton (aka The Rat Queen) from the theatrical NYC rockers, Castle Rat.
listen now