William Marapamele
Artist
William Marapamele
Location
Maseru, Lesotho
Creating
Basotho Blankets
Meet Proud Mary artist William Marapamele of Nanabolela Art. His large-scale embroidered Basotho blankets showcase whimsical bold patterns combined with traditional motifs. As both a shepherd and an artist, each of Marapamele’s pieces are a unique expression of his rich imagination and Lesotho’s unique cultural identity.
Born in the highlands of Mokhotlong, his creative journey began with childhood sketches on maize meal bags and school art awards that hinted at a lifelong calling. In 2022, he began experimenting with embroidery, developing a distinctive, self-taught style rooted in storytelling and tradition. That vision grew into Nanabolela Art, a brand dedicated to honoring and evolving Basotho heritage through textile art.
For William, these blankets are far more than decorative, they are legacies. Each stitch carries history, each pattern a story. Nanabolela is not about status, but meaning. It’s culture made collectible. It’s history embroidered in thread.
