‘Mitsa-Mahosi

Moerane adapted the words of this stirring love song from a poem by Lesotho writer, Bennett Makalo Khaketla (1913-2000). The simple, timeless message is, ‘love is a disease that can affect anyone, even a king’. The poem may have come from Khaketla’s collection called Lipshamathe (originally published c1950), from which Moerane also chose the text for Monyaka Oa Pelo. Nothing is known about when or where ‘Mitsa-Mahosi was composed. ‘Lerato, boloetse, mohloka-lipheko’ – ‘Love is a disease that cannot be cured’, says the poet, ‘Mahosi, ’mitsa-mahosi, shoeshoe!’ – A wild marigold that attracts even kings!’ In order to help choirs learn this song, a free mp3 of the lyrics spoken by Mpho Ndebele is downloadable when the song is purchased along with a rehearsal mp3 of the song at a slow tempo.
Duration: 2’26”

The audio sample below was generated from the Sibelius file of the score and the sample on the right shows the first page of the score.