At 13 years old, Kailash is already blazing a trail in the music world. A talented vocalist and multi-instrumentalist, he is considered by many to be a musical prodigy. Though based in California, Kailash traces his roots directly to Africa. His middlename, Tsepo, echoes his ancestry.
Kailash’s African blood flows through his mother’s side of the family. His great-grandfathers were Ntate Lekokoto Nteso of Ha Seetsa and Ntate Ra Maurice Manyeli of Mokhokhong. His grandparents, Ntate Tsepo Nteso and Dr. Jane Mookho Manyeliemigrated from Lesotho to the United States and established a foothold in California, where Kailash and his immediate family currently live.
With Ke Mosotho, Kailash sings in the language of his ancestors. The song is a proud declaration of his Africanidentity, a full-throated embrace of his esteemed cultural heritage. Inspiration for the song struck during Kailash’s recent trip to Lesotho in May 2024. While staying in Hlotse, Kailash collaborated on the lyrics of Ke Mosotho with his uncle, author and poet, Ntate Mpho Lekena. Afterward, Kailash developed the musical arrangements that bring the song to life.
Back in California, Kailash recorded vocal tracks, keyboard, and percussion. The other artists on the track include Grammy-Award winning Kubix on guitar, Troy Simms on saxophone, Jeremy Redd Lion Gray on drums, and Spliff McQueen on bass. In a development sure to excite the ears of reggae lovers across the world, Ke Mosotho was engineered by Jamaican music legend, Scientist. The track will be released with an accompanying dub version. Kailash debuted the song before a live audience in August 2024 when he performed at Reggae on the River.
Kailash’s musical journey began early in his young life. He demonstrated an unmistakable affinity for sound while still a toddler. He began studying classical piano with a music teacher at the age of three, incorporating fundamentals of music theory. At five years old, Kailash embarked on formal lessons in voice, thereby expanding his natural aptitude for expression through song. He has earned numerous accolades in piano competitions throughout the state of California.
In 2021, Kailash began performing in reggae music festivals. He joined iconic reggae legend Don Carlos in a series of appearances in shows and festivals throughout the west coast of the United States. Kailash formed his own eponymous band in 2022 and released his debut album, Across the Ocean, in 2023. Despite his young age, Kailash has worked with many accomplished reggae artists including Don Carlos, Clinton Fearon, Ponto de Equilibrio, Kubix, Errol Brown, Jaime Hinckson, Scientist, Anthony B, Green Lion Crew, and Subatomic Sound System. In 2021, Kailash was nominated Best New Young Artist at the International Reggae and World Music Awards (IRAWMA). Ke Mosotho marks the latest exciting installment of an already impressive musical catalogue.
