Summary
Famo is a traditional music genre from Lesotho, initially popular among shepherds. Over time, it was adopted by miners in South Africa and has recently become linked with gang violence. Puseletso Seema, an influential famo artist known as the "Queen of Famo," talks about her experience in the music scene dominated by men.
Key Facts
- Famo music originates from Lesotho and was first popular among shepherds.
- The accordion is the main instrument used in famo music.
- Miners from Lesotho brought famo music to South Africa, where it was played in makeshift bars called shebeens.
- Puseletso Seema, known as the "Queen of Famo," was a pioneering woman in a male-dominated music genre.
- Today, famo music is associated with gang violence in Lesotho.
- Last year, the Lesotho government considered famo-related violence severe enough to warrant a ban.
