Maseru, Sept.14 — The new 360-degree virtual reality experience called “Kings of Lesotho-The Royal Succession Story” lets audiences step inside nearly two centuries of Basotho history instead of just reading about it.
The story covers the history of the Basotho nation from the 1824 founding of the Kingdom by King Moshoeshoe I to the reign of the current monarch, King Letsie III.
According to Ms. Sharlene Versfeld, Public Relations and Communications, the official launch will take place on Thursday (September 17) at the Royal Palace Banquet Hall, marking the formal introduction of the completed immersive experience before it opens to the wider public
“The exhibition will be available free to the public from September 23 to December 04 at the Alliance Francaise de Maseru (AFM) library. In addition to the main exhibition at AFM, the project will also undertake a series of free touring exhibitions at the selected locations around the country,” she said.
She said they are using the 360-degree storytelling, spatial sound, traditional music and archival references for the journey through Lesotho starting at the historic stronghold and birthplace of the Basotho nation. “This takes viewers through significant royal sites and beautiful landscapes including Menkhoaneng, Matsieng, Likhoele, Mokhotlong, Kome Caves, Katse Dam, Maletsunyane Falls, Makeneng, Phamong and Makoanyane Square in Maseru,” she said.
She added that the journey introduces the life and contribution of each monarch in the royal succession while experiencing the country’s natural beauty and cultural identity.
Kings of Lesotho is created by the Royal Archives, Museum and Information Centre in collaboration with MP Multimedia Pty Ltd, a creative media company in Lesotho.
On the other hand, MP Multimedia Project Lead Mr. Mokhethi Phohlo said this project has given them a chance to place the nation’s history in front of audiences in a way that has never been possible before, using technology to honour their heritage rather than replace it.
“We hope every Mosotho who steps into this experience walks away with a deeper connection to where we come from,” he said.
Moreover, Project Lead at the Royal Archives Mrs. ‘Maneo Ralebitso highlighted that the Royal Archives exists to safeguard the history and heritage of royalty and chieftainship in Lesotho for generations to come.
mentioned that their collaboration with MP Multimedia has allowed them to take those stories out from behind glass and archive boxes and into a format that speaks to audiences today while remaining grounded in the historical record.
Again, she emphasized that the experience can also travel allowing this history to reach people beyond the archive itself.
On one hand, Ingrid Kopp of Electric South, said working with this project has been a privilege. She said it shows how immersive technology, when approached with care can deepen rather than dilute their relationship with history.
“Kings of Lesotho is not just about looking back at the royal succession; it is about giving audiences particularly young Basotho, a new way to feel part of that story”, she noted.
Meanwhile, Kings of Lesotho is the second of six Futures Past exhibitions and immersive experiences opening across South Africa, Lesotho and Malawi between September and December 2026.
The project is supported by Alliance Francaise de Maseru as the principal public exhibition venue and by Sky Alpha HD and the Ministry of Tourism, Sports, Arts and Culture.
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