Sesotho poetry is a form of artistic expression using the written and spoken word practiced by the Basotho people in Southern Africa. Written poetry in the Sesotho language has existed for over 150 years however, the oral poetry has been practiced throughout Basotho history. Forms of Sotho poetry The classical form of Sotho oral poetry is called ‘dithoko’. This type of Sotho poetry was inspired by tribal wars and battles fought by the Basotho people. However, urbanisation, a changing economy, and modernism have inspired new forms of poetry to develop in the Sotho culture. The new forms of dithoko include the difela, 'mine workers' chants', and the diboko, the latter which are 'family odes', and are still performed in rural areas of Lesotho and the Free State province of South Africa. Like most other oral forms of poetry, the authors are unknown and poem are passed down from generation to generation. There is a strong link between Sotho music and Sotho poetry. A Sesotho praise poet characteristically uses assonance and alliteration. Eloquence or ‘bokheleke’ is highly valued in the sotho culture and people who possess this skill are respected. The praise poetry (dithoko) is not a musical form but, it is incorporated in most Sesotho songs. Praise poetry is highly developed Sotho oral literature and plays a significant role in the study and recording of history as it contains a large amount of information about past significant people and events. Every Sotho king has had a designated praise poet who praised his ancestry and deeds. In addition, the praise poets also praised tribal warriors and national heroes. A description of a Sotho praise poet by a missionary in the 1800s: ‘During the early part of our sojourn among (the Sotho), we often heard them recite, with very dramatic gestures, certain pieces, which were not easy of comprehension, and which appeared to be distinguished from the ordinary discourse, by the elevation of the sentiment, powerful ellipses, daring metaphors, and very accentuated rhythm. The natives called these recitations praises’ History Christian missionaries from the 1800s played an important role in publishing Basotho oral poetry through their missionary journal called ‘’Leselinyana la Lesotho’’ (translates ‘little light of Lesotho). Some of the first literary works published by the Sotho people included praise poems and idioms which were accompanied by explanatory notes. Famous publications made during this time included Azriel’s Sekese’s transcriptions of ‘dithoko’’ of