Maleh (artist)
Malehlokoa Mary "Maleh" Hlalele (born 1984) is a Lesotho-born, Lesotho–South African singer, songwriter and composer known for her soulful Afro-soul and Afro-fusion sound. Her music is a blend of Basotho traditional folk, Afro-beat, jazz and Western popular music styles of the 80s and 90s.[1]
Maleh | |
|---|---|
| Birth name | Malehlokoa Mary Hlalele |
| Born | 1984 (age 40–41) Maseru, Lesotho |
| Origin | Lesotho |
| Genres | Afro-fusion, Afro soul, jazz |
| Occupation(s) | Singer, songwriter, composer |
| Instrument | Vocals |
| Years active | 2003-present |
| Labels | Pslms Productions |
Her music career started in 2003 when she was in high school as part of the Afro pop band Khaya.[2][3]
Early life and career
Maleh was born in 1984 and raised in Maseru, Lesotho, the daughter of a father who played in a band called Blue Diamonds and fostered her early love of music. She began singing publicly as a child, often busking at Maseru Sun Hotel. Inspired by artists like Thandiswa Mazwai, she started writing songs at a young age and performed traditional Sotho songs during community gatherings.[2]
Khaya and breakthrough (2003–2005)
Maleh joined the Afro-pop band Khaya while still in high school. The band released the album Kunzima, which won the Metro FM Award for the Best Newcomer category in 2005.[4][5]
Solo debut and success (2010–2015)
After leaving Khaya and studying cinematography, she launched her solo career. In 2011, she released her debut album Step Child, followed by the single "Falling" with DJ Kent and which was a hit in 2012.[6] The Step Child won the South African Music Award (SAMA) for Best African Adult Album in 2013.[7] In 2014, she released her follow-up album You Make My Heart Go, which also won a SAMA in 2015 for Best African Adult Album.[8]
Later work and independence (2016–present)
Maleh took a brief break in music and later returned independently under her label, Psalms Productions, which released Lerato Laka in 2022, featuring songs like "Ke Tlo Fihla" and "Makoti" who also became hits in South Africa.[4]
Awards
Her album, Step Child, was nominated for the 2013 Metro FM Music Awards for ‘Best African Pop’ and ‘Best Contemporary Jazz’ categories and the 2013 SAMA Award for the 'Best African Adult Album', 'Album of The Year' and 'Best Female Artist of The Year'. She won the SAMA Award for 'Best African Adult Album'.
In 2015, her album You Make My Heart Go won the SAMA Award for Best African Adult Album.
Discography
Albums
- Step Child (2011)
- You Make My Heart Go (2014)
- Lerato Laka (2022)
Selected singles
- "Falling" (feat. DJ Kent, 2012)
- "You Make My Heart Go" (2014)
- "Ke Tlo Fihla" (2022)
- "Mmoloki" (2023)
See also
References
- ^ Mashilo, Noko. "Maleh was born to sing!". Daily Sun. Retrieved 2025-07-08.
- ^ a b Mshengu, Bonakele. "Maleh reflects on 20 years in music and shares her dream collabs". News24. Retrieved 2025-07-08.
- ^ Mathobela, Phuti. "The struggle that silenced Maleh's music!". Daily Sun. Retrieved 2025-07-08.
- ^ a b "Singer and songwriter Malehloka Hlalele celebrates 21 years in the music industry", Daily Sun, 10 May 2024. Retrieved 9 July 2025.
- ^ "Maleh the Voice of the Land – vukadarkie.com". 2017-11-22. Retrieved 2025-07-08.
- ^ "Maleh", Fête de la Musique Johannesburg, 2021. Retrieved 9 July 2025.
- ^ "Maleh – Music In Africa", Music In Africa. Retrieved 9 July 2025.
- ^ "Maleh was born to sing", Daily Sun, 4 December 2015. Retrieved 9 July 2025.