Baba Flo releases first album 42 years later
Nnasaretha Kgamanyane | Sunday October 29, 2023 06:00
An embodiment of perseverance and resilience, Baba Flo, who has been residing in Botswana for 19 years, is considered one of the legendary musicians in the country.
He started playing music back in 1979 despite not releasing a single recorded album over the past years. He has been recording music without releasing it and featured on several local musicians’ songs. In an interview with Arts&Culture, he explained that his album was a contemporary gospel with a fusion of jazz and rock.
The album has 12 tracks that include You Are God, Just Come, Ke a e Nela, Forward, Nice Nice, Yahweh, Mchungaji, Instrumental, Arise and Shine, Tumelo, There Is Healing and Blessed Assurance Instrumental.
Baba Flo explained that his decision to release the album came after he realised how God has taken care of him and what He did in his life. He said he has realised that with God nothing is impossible.
The album was produced by Chankieland Productions. “I composed and arranged the album. I brought in a keyboardist, drummer and two backup singers," he said.
Baba Flo said one of the challenges he faces is promoters who do not want to pay him after booking him for performances. “In most cases, after doing my part and expecting to be paid I tend to be told different stories.
"However, I have a number of achievements to celebrate. I have trained many people, also recorded many, being part of the band in the 2010 World Cup in South Africa and performing with many great artists,” he added.
Furthermore, Baba Flo said he continues to get engaged by people around the world who send him their songs to arrange them. He added that he also enjoyed travelling for performances.
Baba Flo believes it is not too late to relaise his dream of owning a music training school and studio in the country. He said he stayed in different countries since he left the DRC in 1996 and played the traditional music of those countries with different artists from those countries. To celebrate his long music career, a concert has been scheduled for November 24 at the Number 1 Ladies Coffee House at Thapong Visual Arts Centre.