Award-winning rapper Malome Vector dies in accident

Malome Vector. (Twitter/@Ambitiouz_Ent)

Award-winning Sotho rapper Bokang Moleli, better known as Malome Vector, has died.

News of the rapper's death was shared by his former record label, Ambitiouz Entertainment, on Wednesday evening. 

"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," the label wrote.

According to the Free State Department of Health, three men were declared dead at the scene of an accident on the N1 close to the Koppies turn-off near Kroonstad, while two other people, a man and woman, were transported to Boitumelo Regional Hospital.

A source told News24 the Nobody hitmaker was travelling from Gauteng, through the Free State, to his home country of Lesotho to shoot a music video when he was involved in an accident just after 13:00.

As per reports, the other occupants of the vehicle Vector was travelling in, which collided with a heavy motor vehicle, included his musical collaborators Lizwi Wokuqala and Puleng Phoofolo.

The Free State Department of Transport's Hillary Mophethe said, while a burst tyre could have caused the driver to lose control of the vehicle, the cause of the crash was still being investigated.

A meteoric rise

Vector moved to Johannesburg in 2020 and cemented his rise in the music industry when he was signed to Ambitiouz Entertainment. The label reportedly contacted him through social media and then met with him in Lesotho, and the rest was history.

Before making a name for himself in South Africa, the rapper was known in his home country for hits such as Ichu and Motho Waka.

As he rose to fame in Mzansi, Vector earned himself a South African Music Award for Best Music Video of the Year in 2021 for a collaboration with Miss Pru and Blaq Diamond. 

The following year, he released his debut album, Karabo, which featured Blaq Diamond, Intaba Yase Dubai, Wave Rhyder, Sjava, Ubuntu Band and Ntate Stunna.

Speaking to City Press about Karabo, he said: "The album is about my story, my hustle, which includes my family, especially my daughter. It is based on my true story and my answered prayers.

"I have a special relationship with everybody who is on the album. I had to call them so we could make history together because sharing a plate with people I suffered with makes me happy."

Earlier in the year, Vector released his seven-track EP, 1964, which featured Ntate Stunna and Mlindo The Vocalist.

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