At just 13 years old, Kailash is already redefining the international music scene. An exceptional vocalist and talented multi-instrumentalist, he is considered by many to be a true prodigy. Born in California but with deep roots in Africa, his journey is a vibrant tribute to his origins and his passion for music,
An African identity at the heart of his music
Kailash, whose middle name is Tsepo—an homage to his African roots—wears his family heritage proudly. His great-grandfathers, Ntate Lekokoto Nteso of Ha Seetsa and Ntate Ra Maurice Manyeli of Mokhokhong, and his grandparents, Ntate Tsepo Nteso and Dr. Jane Mookho Manyeli, emigrated from Lesotho to the United States. Today, Kailash and his family are based in California, but his connection to Africa remains as strong as ever.
His latest creation, Ke Mosotho, is the most striking example of this. In this song, he sings in Sesotho, the language of his ancestors, proudly claiming his African identity. The inspiration for this piece came during a memorable trip to Lesotho in May 2024. There, in the town of Hlotse, Kailash worked with his uncle, the writer and poet Ntate Mpho Lekena, to craft the lyrics of this ode to his roots. Back in California, he crafted captivating musical arrangements that bring Ke Mosotho to life.
Kailash’s musical genius is not new. From his early years, he already showed an exceptional affinity for music. At just three years old, he began studying classical piano with a teacher, delving into the fundamentals of music theory. Then, at the age of five, he began singing lessons that would allow him to refine an already promising voice.
Today, Kailash is not only a talented pianist, he is also an accomplished vocalist and multi-instrumentalist who impresses with his musical maturity. Alongside his piano studies, he has participated in numerous musical competitions, winning awards throughout California.
A career that takes off
In 2021, Kailash made his reggae festival debut, joining reggae legend Don Carlos for a memorable run of shows on the West Coast of the United States. But his rise didn’t stop there. In 2022, he formed his own band and released his debut album, Across the Ocean, in 2023. The album marked a turning point in his career, revealing an artist ready to embrace his musical calling.
Despite his young age, Kailash has already collaborated with renowned reggae artists including Don Carlos, Clinton Fearon, Ponto de Equilibrio, Kubix, and Scientist. In 2021, he was named Best Young Artist at the International Reggae and World Music Awards (IRAWMA), a recognition that highlights his immense talent.
A legendary team for a unique piece
Ke Mosotho marks a pivotal milestone in Kailash’s musical evolution. He recorded vocals, keyboards and percussion for the track in California. To complete the project, he surrounded himself with exceptional musicians: Grammy Award-winning guitarist Kubix, Troy Simms on saxophone, Jeremy Redd Lion Gray on drums, and Spliff McQueen on bass. The final touch was provided by Jamaican music legend Scientist, who mixed the track and its dub version, news that will undoubtedly delight reggae fans around the world.
A bright future
Kailash has already performed Ke Mosotho live in August 2024 at the Reggae on the River festival, where he enchanted the audience with a vibrant and emotional performance. This track is just the latest chapter in a career that promises to be full of promise
As Kailash continues to explore new sounds and collaborate with renowned artists, one thing is for sure: he is carving a unique path in the music world, and he is only just getting started. At 13 years old, with boundless passion and undeniable talent, Kailash is a rising star to watch in the global music landscape.
