EVOLUTION OF SOTHO ACCORDION MUSIC IN LESOTHO: 1980—2005

The article describes the origins, evolution and status of Sotho1 koriana accordion music from the 1920s through the 1960s and 70s when it was considered shebeen music, and from1980 to 2005, when there was a change of attitude towards it and only sporadic production. Two concerns are: the status of koriana music, and, its appreciation by Sotho people themselves. Data was collected through observations, interviews with artists and listeners, and from cassettes, radio and TV programmes. Aspects of the music are described and related to non-musical events of the period.