The Lesotho Defence Force Military Band was established in the 1960's when the Para Military Unit was formed. The then PMU was composed of three platoons of which Band was the 3rd. The first army Commander, the late Ret. Maj Gen Justin Metsing Lekhanya formed part of the platoon as its commander. It was comprised of cadets from Mazenod Roman Catholic Church mission (Our Lady of the World in Maseru), as a combination of drummers and buglers. In the 1970's, some LDF Military members went to Uganda for music training course, they were all eleven. After their training they established a full Military Band. In 1975 the platoon member became a qualified Musical Instructor. Due to security challenges in the 1970's, the band had to perform military duties other than music such as standby and guard duties. Regardless of the above challenges the band platoon displayed diligence when performing their duties. The platoon played a vital role in the assistance to the formation of the Lesotho Mounted Police Service Band unit in 1980's. In order to develop the platoon, in 1985 a music director from Nigeria was invited to improve the capabilities of both the LDF and LMPS band units. The director mentored these units and imparted theory and practical skills from grade 1 to grade 3.
In 1995, LDF Band was given an opportunity to further their musical education in Bloemfontein School of Music for a period of seven years where they obtained theory of music, practicals and advance courses thoroughly. The School of Music helped LDF Band successfully to be recognized amongst the Military Bands in Africa. Some LDF Band members were able to obtain certificates in theory and practicals of music. In 2003 the Military Pipe Band was established with the auspices of the Indian Army Training Team IATT to Lesotho Defence Force with a group of 26 men. After the completion of their basic music course they performed for national ceremonies as well as in military functions.
To enhance their capability, they are sent to further their musical education in India Army Education Corps (IAEC) Training College and center Pachmarhi (MP) India since 2004 up to date. Currently, the LDF has Jazz sections formed for the purpose of entertaining Commanders Guests, and to perform at any other entertainment functions they may be ordered to perform. The LDF band has also assisted in the enhancing of the Lesotho Correctional Service Band Instructors in 2007.
Our mission is to provide music for ceremonial functions, offering morale support to military personnel, adding dignity and formality to ceremonies, and fostering a spirit of pride in our military community.
To develop world-class musicians within the military, preparing members for professional careers in music and internationally recognized performances.
i. MILITARY BAND:
Band I and Band II
Composed of brass, woodwind and percussion.
They provide music during national functions and military functions such as:
• National ceremonies
• Military and civil functions
ii. PIPE BAND:
Composed of Bag Pipes, Drummers and Buglers.
Its duties are:
• Military Parades
• Other ranks function Parades
• Hosting and dismounting of flags
• Calls for His Majesty, Prime Minister and Chief of the Defence Staff.
The Jazz Band is composed of military and pipe band members, including vocalists and percussionists. They perform at various functions including fundraising concerts, LDF celebrations, and civil events.
The Pipe Band plays an essential role in military parades, flag ceremonies, and ceremonial calls for dignitaries such as His Majesty, the Prime Minister, and the Chief of Defence Staff.
Band Company consists of Military Band, pipe band and jazz band. These are the groups of personnel performing musical duties in the Military. They are employed to play martial music, national anthems, perform on state and official functions, national ceremonies, and other functions as may be assigned.