Hot Kwaito hits the shelves

MOGOMOTSI MOLOI
Correspondent | Thursday March 13, 2008 00:00

 

It is only through these things that you can reach success. But understand that there are obstacles that obstruct us from reaching our goals. It is like walking to the peak of a mountain and the route is very slippery, you meet all sorts of dangerous animals including snakes. Do not give up. Where there is jealousy there is success and the two goes together. Believe in yourself and you would achieve your dreams.'

This is an inspirational introductory message on the new Kwaito CD of Olebile Malele. Masheleng, as the CD is titled, is one of the best Kwaito projects to come out of this country this year given its uniqueness and the true meaning of the genre. It has heavy bits coupled with classic guitar, something that many Kwaito artistes have not deemed necessary.

It is a 10-track album. As he stated in one of his songs, Malele, trading as Em-Zee Mzala, is here to rock the nation. This is his introductory project to the ever-growing music industry as a solo artiste. Botswana, which is the second track in the album, has already been played on local radio stations and many have given positive feedback about it.   
He is excited to have released such a hot album even though it is his first attempt as a solo artiste. He said this is a hardcore Kwaito album blended with a guitar. But it has a bit of Rhythm and Blues.

He pointed out that though the Kwaito genre originates from South Africa, he has tried to localise it. Masheleng (Money) is not all about money, as one may think, he said. 'This is all about general life. For you to do everything these days you must have money. By this title, I wanted to stress the importance of money in today's life,' he said. He added that it is not good to undermine other people just because they are impoverished.

He subscribes to the ideal that everybody has talent but some do not have the knowledge to use their talents. Growing up in Selebi-Phikwe, Em-Zee Mzala listened to too much Kwaito. He contends that he chose to sing the genre because he believes he has talent for it. He explains that the reason his project is well cooked is because he collaborated and sought advice from different people who know music better. He started working on the album last April. Em-Zee Mzala is not intimidated by competition. 'I love it when the music industry is growing like it is doing now. This will force artistes to be more serious when doing their work,' said the 24-year-old. He lamented that artistes become reluctant and complacent after releasing albums. Such artistes fail to promote and market their music after releasing it.

Some of the songs in Malele's album are Masheleng, Mgagara, Poko ya Moratiwa, Zola and It's All Out. There are also instrumentals on the album.

Malele's project manager Khumo Gaorengwe is singing praises of the boy. 'I feel that the project is fine. It has a bit of difference. We introduced our own trade mark by playing classic guitar in most songs,' he said. He added that the album uses meaningful words that are easily understood by all.