Zikhali, Teffy T’s harmonious fusion takes global stage
correspondent | Sunday March 31, 2024 12:59
The dynamic duo's collaboration was sparked organically, as Zikhali recalled: "I met Teffy T through a mutual friend a couple of years ago. We started sharing music and spending time in the studio, then came concepts and concepts," Teffy added. "I had a beat from KS (Botswana) my producer, and this beat was banging, sounding like a live band. Kwana Le Kwana just landed as a concept, and we pushed with it." Their artistic synergy becomes evident in the rhythmic cadence of the song, blending Zikhali's extensive acting background with Teffy T's Motswako prowess.
Teffy T emphasised the cultural essence of their creation, stating: "This song culturises my music before it globalises. The message tells you about our lifestyle in our language and around where I live. If you don't respect people, you will get hurt, everywhere you go Zikhali, highlighting the collaborative spirit, shared. "Collaboration means growth for Botswana and SA artists. That's the impact we want—growth for the youth and the upcoming." In an era where singles dominate, the duo seeks to transcend musical boundaries, planning to merge their music and acting talents in theatres. Teffy T, anticipating his visit to Gaborone in March, expressed his eagerness to explore collaborations in different genres. He envisions this collaboration as a cultural ambassador, taking Botswana's rich heritage to a global audience.
The duo has always admired Botswana Hip Hop and is looking forward to collaborating with the likes of Apollo D, Scar, ATI, Girly, among others. What they admire most about Botswana rappers is their originality and the richness of Motswako dating back to the early days of Nomadic and other pioneers. This collaboration signifies not just a musical endeavour but a celebration of Botswana's Hip Hop legacy. As they navigate the intersection of their artistic backgrounds, Zikhali, with an extensive acting portfolio, including appearances in Rhythm City and The River, sees his experience in the entertainment industry influencing his approach to music collaborations. Teffy T, known for preserving culture through his music, views this collaboration as a continuation of that mission. Having collaborated with Botswana artists like HT Tautona and Touch Motswak Tswak, Teffy T emphasised how working with diverse artists contributes to his growth. Zikhali and Teffy T's collaboration is not confined to a single track; they have over 20 songs in the works and are on the brink of unveiling a much-anticipated mix tape.
This partnership underscores their ability to seamlessly merge their lyrical and acting prowess, promising an auditory experience like no other. In a candid conversation, Zikhali expressed what attracted him to working with Teffy T, stating: "I work with people that want to work with me, people who respect the craft, and I think Teffy T is one of those."Teffy T, reflecting on the broader impact of their collaboration on Botswana's music industry, stated: "I think the more we normalise taking the culture to the rest of the world and being proud of it, we'll be able to compete globally. This collaboration will surely represent the culture on a global scale.” As they continue to navigate the global music landscape, Zikhali and Teffy T's collaboration stands as a testament to the rich cultural tapestry of Botswana, bringing its vibrant rhythms and narratives to the forefront of the international music scene.