Aranda announces 2024 Young Designer

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Basotho blanket manufacturer Aranda Textiles ownshaveProudly presenting the 2nd Young Basotho Designers Series (YBDC)for2024.

This initiative by Aranda Textiles aims to empower young designers of Basotho originAged below 45 years.

The YBDC 2024 cohort includes Pule Kojoana, Kamohelo Chabana, Khethang “Morusu” Hlalele, Lintle Pholo, Matabe Lonia Tshauli, Samuel Ntlhakana, Khauhelo Lephema and Malehloka “Maleh” Hlalele.

The launch of their blanket range was held at the Manthabiseng Convention Centre last weekend.

Aranda brand ambassador Palo Mokailane said the program is open to anyone with a design or creative background.

“The entries go through a rigorous evaluation process. Once the best designs are selected, they will be converted into computer-aided designs (CAD) and then sampling and production will begin.sMr Mokelane said.

Speaking at the event, Kerrilee Poolman, Product Development Manager and Account Executive at Aranda, highlighted the purpose of the program.existAscension of Basuto designers.

Mr Pullman said: “This initiative provides a platform for young and talented designers to showcase their blanket designs and tell the Basotho story through the medium of blankets.”

“To continue this tradition, Aranda recognised the need to have Basotho youth design authentic blankets for Basotho. All selected designers will receive royalties whenever the blankets are sold.”

ArandaofIntegrated Marketing Manager Palesa Tladi highlighted the structured approach of the programme.

“Our goal is to ensure the structured development and growth of the collections. Therefore, the program is held every two years. Designers who meet the requirements are encouraged to submit their blanket designs to Aranda. The deadline for submitting new designs is the end of March every year, and the new designs will be included in the collection of the following year’s products,” she said.

In the 2022 pilot, Aranda collaborated with musician Thaabe “Ntate Stunna” Letsie and socialite Tshepo Pitso, among others,Common nameMaterials Don Dada, ProductionManotti CorianaandPlainsrespectively.

                         televisionClass of 2024

Pule Kojoana – Creative Designer and Entrepreneur
1. Blanket Design:history
Born and raised in Thaba Bosiu,WeekHe is the eldest son in the family. Although he has not received higher education, he created hand-painted T-shirts with his love for art and painting skills.HHe started working in digital design and printing in 2002, establishing his own printed T-shirt company “Kobo Kulca”. Over time, he perfected his graphic design skills and expanded his creative work to other textile products.

Kamohelo Chabana – Actor and Designer
1. Blanket Design:laser
Kamohelo Leisa Chabana is a young Basotho man who was inspired by the tradition of adult schools. He founded the Leisa clothing brand, inspired by the iconic Basotho traditional blanket.“laser”Meaning leader, it was a term given to a boy whose father wanted to start a school for adults.

Morusu Khethang Hlalele – Musician, designer, writer and voice-over artist
1. Blanket Design:sun
Morusu from Kutin, Lesotho, is an accomplished musician known for his proficiency on the accordion.reputationMusic genre. He has over 15 years of experience in the music industry as an accomplished producer, songwriter, composer and arranger. His collaborations with industry legends resulted in the critically acclaimed self-titled albumMorusuIn 2008, he released his first solo album, which won the South African Traditional Music Award for Best Sesotho Album in 2009.

Lintle Pholo – Artist, Designer, Entrepreneur
Blanket Design: dairy cow
Born in the Maseru District, LBroadCast United discovered his love for art at an early age. After high school, he went on to study Graphic Design, Entrepreneurship and Fine Arts. His expertise brought him a rare opportunity to design a blanket for His Majesty King Letsie III’s birthday in 2018. This further fueled his fascination with patterns, especially Litma (traditional Basotho pattern designs), as a medium for storytelling. Focusing on ancient African art and culture, LBroadCast United hopes to preserve this knowledge through books, rugs and blankets, echoing the tradition of cave painters throughout history.

Matabe Lonia Tsáuli Biography
1. Blanket Design:Write
Matabe is a young Basotho creative woman with a passion for design and fashion. She is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Fashion and Retail at Limkokwing University of Creative Technology. She has a variety of skills including design, pattern drawing, garment sewing and photography. She incorporates cultural elements into her designs, drawing inspiration from the iconic Basotho traditional blankets.

Samuel Ntlhakana – Fashion Designer
1. Blanket Design:verse
Samuel hails from the village of Sebotonezifalimari in the Leribe District. His love for fashion design led him to study at the Maseru Limkokwing University of Creative Technology. While at university, he honed his design skills by making custom shoes and t-shirts. Inspired by the culture of Lesotho, Samuel wanted to reimagine the use of Seshoeshoe fabric. He showcased his work at the 2023 Royal Cup Jockey Club to mark the 60th birthday of King Lezi III. He now advocates for sustainable fashion that blends tradition with modernity. His future lies in making timeless pieces that reflect his cultural roots.

Malehloka ‘Maleh’ Hlalele – musician, entrepreneur
1. Blanket Design:Salvation Blanket
Popularly known by her stage name Maleh, the Afropop singer’s musical journey began in Maseru West, Central Lesotho, where she was born and raised. The singer began her career in Bloemfontein, when she joined the Afropop band Kaya, which released its debut album Kunzima and won the Metro FM Best Newcomer Award in 2005. She later left the band to pursue further studies at a film school in Johannesburg, majoring in cinematography. After graduation, she worked as a production coordinator for various event production companies, producing various large-scale music festivals, before returning to the stage to re-start her singing career.

Khauhelo Lephema – Filmmaker, Actor, Model and Designer
1. Blanket Design:A sword
The Mosotho filmmaker, actor and model began his creative journey in 2011. Inspired by Hollywood stars, he taught himself editing and made experimental films.teacherAfter studying filmmaking, he has created groundbreaking works that have won him local and international acclaim. With a vision to elevate the Lesotho film industry, Khauhelo is dedicated to telling authentic African stories. His accolades include awards from the Lesotho Film Festival and the King Moshoeshoe International Film Festival. In addition to filmmaking, his talents extend to painting and costume design, showcasing a multi-dimensional approach to storytelling.