Monese, E

MONESE, E. E. 

b. 21 October 1917, Germiston Municipal Township

d. 20 October 1965, Welkom

E. E. Monese completed his elementary education in Mohale's Hoek and Matsieng in Basutoland (which since 1965 is the independent kingdom of Lesotho). He then studied at Morija Training College, where he obtained a Junior Certificate in 1935. Monese studied privately for his school-leaving certificate, which he attained in 1940. His first teaching post was at the United Bantu Higher School in Senekal. He was later appointed Supervisor of Schools for the Kimberley Bantu Education Circuit.

Monese's musical career began at Morija, where he studied with B. Mashologu. During this period, Monese was also a member of the Morija Choristers, who were conducted by the composer J. P. Mohapeloa. Initially, Monese was more interested in singing than conducting. However, after the departure of the music master at Senekal, Monese was forced to take over his duties, and was found to be a gifted conductor. In 1947, for example, his choir won the Inter Provincial Basuto Music Tournament Cup. He was also frequently invited to adjudicate choir competitions. When his choir's repertoire was exhausted, Monese began composing for it. His works show the influence of Mohapeloa (see, for example, the dominant role played by the bass voice in Tsolo la esa). Monese's compositions, many of which were inspired by nature, became very popular during his lifetime, especially with choirs in the Free State.

Vocal

1. Clydesdale

2. Hoboi

3. Kgwedi Toloko

4. Litsoili-tsoili

5. Maleturupa

6. Masirela

7. Mokgwenyana

8. Mphe-mphe e a lapisa

9. Nanabolele

10. Nnake Leboya

11. Phato

12. Pula

13. Puleng

14. Re dinaledi (an arrangement of a traditional song)

15. Seepheephe

16. Senkepeng

17. Setsohaphora

18. Tedutsebeng

19. Tsolo la esa

20. Poloko ya Eshwa