The music world is in mourning following the loss of Malome Vector, a beloved rapper from Lesotho, who reportedly passed away in a car accident in the Free State.
Also in the car were up-and-coming artist Lizwe Wokuqala and Puleng Phoofolo, both of whom sadly lost their lives in the accident.
Sources close to the stars shared with “TshisaLIVE” that the fatal accident occurred while they were en route to Lesotho to shoot a music video. The collision, involving their car and a heavier vehicle, happened near the Koppies turn-off on the N1.
Tragically, all three men died at the scene, while a female passenger sustained moderate to serious injuries and another male passenger suffered serious but recoverable injuries.
Vector, whose real name was Bokang Moleli, was a prominent figure in the music industry, known for his blend of hip-hop and traditional Basotho sounds.
Kagiso, his manager, initially evaded confirmation of the news but did so later in a voice note.
According to “Sunday World”, the Free State Department of Health released a statement confirming the deaths and detailing the efforts made to inform the artists' managers and next of kin.
“Their managers have been informed and have attended to the scene and the hospital to get full details of what happened and who was involved so that the next of kin can be decently informed,” said spokesperson Mondli Mvambi.
In the wake of the accident, rumours circulated on social media that Ntate Stunna, a close friend of Vector, was also involved. These rumours were swiftly dispelled by his manager, Bereng Matseletsele, who confirmed that Stunna was not in the vehicle.
Vector was a pioneering new-school Sesotho rap artist from Roma, Lesotho. Growing up listening to traditional Sesotho music, he later discovered motswako rap and began his music career in the early 2010s. He was signed by Ambitiouz Records in 2020.
Vector released his debut album, “Karabo”, in 2021 under Ambitiouz Entertainment. The album was well-received and included one of his popular tracks "Dumelang", featuring Blaq Diamond.
What made Vector a one-of-a-kind artist was his ability to combine elements of traditional Basotho sounds with contemporary hip-hop, a distinctive and influential style.
Ambitiouz Entertainment, along with many fans, paid tribute to him: “With heavy hearts, we mourn the passing of a shining beacon, the Lion of Lesotho’s sun has set. Our deepest condolences go out to his loved ones and industry peers during this time of profound loss. Rest In Peace Malome Vector.”
With heavy hearts, we mourn the passing of a shining beacon, the Lion of Lesotho's sun has set.Our deepest condolences go out to his loved ones and industry peers during this time of profound loss. Rest In Malome Vector 💔 pic.twitter.com/qK7YLMezlt
@tk_moafrika wrote: “Ke lemetse ha bohloko😭😭God! Why 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭 You shall not be forgotten brother 💔💔💔 May your soul rest in eternal peace 🕯️🕯️🕯️🕯️ @Malome_Vector May your family heal from this tragedy. Re lahlehetsoe 💔”
Ke lemetse ha bohloko😭![CDATA[]]>😭God! Why 😭![CDATA[]]>😭![CDATA[]]>😭![CDATA[]]>😭![CDATA[]]>😭![CDATA[]]>😭![CDATA[]]>😭![CDATA[]]>😭![CDATA[]]>😭![CDATA[]]>😭![CDATA[]]>😭![CDATA[]]>😭![CDATA[]]>😭![CDATA[]]>😭
— TK Wa MoAfrika (@tk_moafrika) July 25, 2024
You shall not be forgotten brother 💔![CDATA[]]>💔![CDATA[]]>💔 May your soul rest in eternal peace 🕯️🕯️🕯️🕯️@Malome_Vector May your family heal from this tragedy. Re lahlehetsoe 💔 pic.twitter.com/radkzbuIw7
@HOMIEworldwide wrote: “Let’s normalise to pray before we hit the road!💔 let’s talk with our ancestors before we hit the road 💔so much is going on in these roads yooo Mara guys💔💔 Rest in peace to Malome Vector . Be safe on these streets guys💔💔”
Let’s normalise to pray before we hit the road!💔 let’s talk with our ancestors before we hit the road 💔so much is going on in these roads yooo Mara guys💔![CDATA[]]>💔 Rest in peace to Malome Vector . Be safe on these streets guys💔![CDATA[]]>💔
— HOMIE 🇿![CDATA[]]>🇦 (@HOMIEworldwide) July 25, 2024
@Mo_Senne also wrote: “🥀 Rest easy, Malome Vector. Your music definitely has charms to soothe a savage beast 😢”
🥀 Rest easy, Malome Vector. Your music definitely has charms to soothe a savage beast 😢 pic.twitter.com/p2oXI0QwWl
@BoetMuzzie wrote: “leaving us with best EP 🔥, Goodnight Malome Vector 😞💔”
leaving us with best EP 🔥, Goodnight Malome Vector 😞![CDATA[]]>💔 pic.twitter.com/dUrNrzg71m
— 📸 MuzzieSeanito Shayila 🍯 (@BoetMuzzie) July 24, 2024