Browsing by Author "Phafoli, Lehlohonolo"

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    Analysis of the language techniques and thematic Aspects of the Basotho accordion music
    (University of Free State, 2009-12) Phafoli, Lehlohonolo; Rofessor Moleleki, Mohlomi
    by the functionalist perspective, the study analyzes the Basotho accordion music over the period 1980 – 2005. Of particular importance are the various themes addressed by the verbal text that comes up in the music. Specifically, the study analyzes the language used in the composition of the songs accompanying the Basotho accordion music; the rationale behind the use of such language. The study also looks at the status of the composers or artists of the music as well as the role of their music among Basotho; and last, it looks at the reception of the Basotho accordion music by Basotho. In order to address the above purposes of the study, the qualitative method was used to interpret the songs. The population of the study was all the Basotho artists, radio presenters of the music, shop owners selling the music, street vendors and the public that listens to the music and buys it. A stratified random sampling method was used to select with the subjects of the study. A total of 100 songs were analyzed while 81 subjects were interviewed for this study. The findings of the study on the issues investigated are that, Basotho accordion music promotes or helps in the aesthetics of the Sesotho language; that it is a reservoir of rich language. The recurring themes in the music range from social, political and economic issues. The music forges patriotism among Basotho by promoting customs, norms and values of the nation. In terms of status, the artists are either illiterate or semi-literate and the music is their main means of livelihood. On the whole, most Basotho are receptive to Basotho accordion music in many different ways. The study concludes that Basotho accordion music is part of the oral traditional music of Basotho since it retains some features of oral traditional music. Accordion music is very rich in a variety of linguistic techniques common in oral traditions of Basotho. The music also reflects the lifestyle of Basotho because of its historicity and coverage of concerns of the nation.
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    Biographies of Lesotho authors and music artists
    (National University of Lesotho, 2016) Phafoli, Lehlohonolo;
    The research on the Biographies of the Sesotho authors and music artists is lone venture of the National University of Lesotho through one member from the Department of African Languages and Literature. The National University of Lesotho granted funds to the sum of M40, 895.00 to Dr. Lehlohonolo Phafoli who became the Principal Researcher and the overseer of the whole process. The Principal Researcher worked closely with research assistants from the ten districts who coordinated and interviewed informants. The following were responsible for this mammoth task;  Mrs. Nthabiseng Koatsa  Mrs Magaret Lerotholi  Mrs Theresia Lekota  Ms Martha Seobi  Mr. Khoase Motsoafa  Mrs `Mathabelo Nkune  Mr Maloka Phamotse  Ms Nthabeleng Sekhonyana  Ms. Selimoleng Setsomi  Mr Mone Ramone The actual business was done through pre-arranged appointments which were followed by visiting areas and interviewing & recording the information from the authors and music artists. With regard to accountability, the Principal Researcher made regular financial accounting of activities that enabled the release of funds on a regular basis until the last cent. The principal researcher collected 55authors and 147 + music artists within and outside Lesotho. The biographies were transcribed, typed and edited to a certain extent, and they are currently stored in both the soft and hardcopy. In conclusion, it could be said that the exercise was a success. The hardcopies have been spiralled in a form of booklet for further proof-reading and production of final copy. The main obstacle was that the funds dried up before further activities could be completed.
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    Narratives of Personal Experiences: the Construction of Identity in Basotho Accordion Songs
    (South African Journal of African Languages, 2014) Phafoli, Lehlohonolo; Zulu, N. S.
    This article analyses accordion songs of the Basotho people as small narratives of self-identity. The songs are constructions of the way the singers think of and experience themselves as Basotho, of their home country, Lesotho. They communicate this message to their listeners. The focus of the constructed self includes parentage and ancestry, clan totems and chiefs, social conditions, places where the artists were born and grew up, marriage problems, and experiences as migrant labourers in South Africa. These songs foster individual, national and collective identity in Lesotho. It is observed that in all the narratives, the singers tell about their associations and social relationships relating to shared locations, language and culture.
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    Reflection of history in Khaketla's dramas: A comparative analysis.
    (University of the Witwatersrand, 1996) Phafoli, Lehlohonolo; Prof. Maake, Nhlanhla P.
    "My texts refer to historical facts because I feel that they must have credibility. In this way they can arouse interest among the readers." (Khaketla, interview 25/04/1994) This study "Reflection of history in Khaketla's dramas .. A comparative analysis" elucidates the view that the playwright utilised the narrative imagination in order to reflect history. His works show imaginary resolution of real conflicts however he has significantly avoided certain areas of real experiences in pursuance of dramatic plot. In this work the two dramas Tholoana tsa Sethepu and Bulane are compared to historical episodes concerning Griffith's feud of succession 1926-1939 and the installation of Seeiso as paramount chief in 1939. Khaketla is believed to have been influenced by past historical experiences when writing the texts. The historical context is considered here as a situation around which the dramas were conceived. Boulton (1960) points out that the modern dramatist generally tries to take a plot from his own head or he may show his originality by taking a well-known historical episode and handle it so as to throw new light upon it. Boulton views history as a mine of good stories and that, with imagination a playwright can create a whole play of passion and conflict out of it. This view summarizes my approach to the analysis of Khaketla's plays which are considered as products of historical experiences.
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    Report on the collection of King Letsie III’s praise poetry
    (Lehlohonolo Phafoli, 2015-06) Phafoli, Lehlohonolo
    The research on King Letsie’s III praise poetry is a joint venture between the National University of Lesotho through one member from the Department of African Languages and Literature and the Sesotho Academy. The National University of Lesotho granted funds to the sum of M42, 385.00 to Dr. Lehlohonolo Phafoli who became the Principal Researcher and the overseer of the whole process. The Principal Researcher worked closely with members of the Sub-Committee on Praise Poetry from the Sesotho Academy namely; Mrs `Malisema Makoa and Mr Molisana Kulehile. Mr. Relebohile Tanki was appointed as a Technical Assistant Researcher because of his expertise in technical skills related to the use of modern technology and was assisted by Miss Mpine Mokitimi. After the request to His Majesty’s office to conduct the research was granted by the National Entertainment Committee, tedious efforts were made to solicit funds but to no avail. Concerning the process of kick-starting the research, an administrative and constructive approach was proposed by the Principal Chief of Mokhotlong who advised the team to table the matter before the Principal chiefs in Senate to solicit their support and cooperation. That done, the team visited various areas to disseminate information to the chiefs. The activities related to the actual business was done through pre-arranged appointments which were followed by visiting areas and recording the praise poetry from capable poets identified by the offices of the Principal chiefs. With regard to accountability, the Principal Researcher made regular financial accounting of activities done that enabled the release of funds on a regular basis until the last cent. The team collected 37 praises from different areas within Lesotho. The praises were transcribed, typed and edited to a certain extent, and they are currently stored in both the soft and hardcopy. In conclusion, it could be said that the exercise was a success. The hardcopies have been spiralled in a form of booklet for further proof-reading and production of final copy. The main obstacle was that the funds dried up before further activities could be completed. It is hoped that the research team will find a donor to ensure completion of this research project. The major aim is to have King Letsie III’s praise poetry published in book form..