Elibasha strums along Mariberibe
Lesang Maswabi | Sunday April 14, 2024 05:00
Mariberibe comprises a collection of mesmerising works characterised by a blend of fluidity and creativity. As such, it provides a canvas upon which each one of the band’s members navigates smoothly to offer a progressive and joint project in the form of modern fusion-cum-contemporary jazz.
The album features songs such as Tsoga Morobadi, Chiwele, Mariberibe, Leja Maswe, Boitshoko, Rammata, Mama, Cheri, Mokgantsutswane, and Monna, and was recorded at Alfredo Mos’ Original Music Studio by Patrick ‘Mangasa’ Motlaopi.
As the artist roped in other talented musicians to work on the album, it turned out to be a masterpiece. Tsoga Morobadi opens the album in a relaxed, breathable 4/4 tempo, marvelling at its vamping divine melody while keeping to its radiant percussive folklore rhythm.
The song is about life’s progression, reminding listeners to wake up to life’s realities and hustles and not to rely on other folks for survival.
The Chiwele track is another folklore piece that pays homage to the brethren with captivating lines such as “Chiwele ke laiti ya malaiti aaka/ Chiwele ke scheme sa discheme tsaaka/ A ke je ye ntatemogolo?...Nnyaa ga se ya bana”.
Its beat navigates a modern stride before launching an assertive solo over a swinging progression. The background bass guitar that carries it along gives it a firm base. Mariberibe, the title track, showcases the unmistakable, soulful sound of lead guitarist Elibasha, resonating through the exquisite tapestries crafted by his bandmates: Keyboardist (pianist) Thabo Lengoma More, Bassist Norman Shomiwa, and the newly joined, seasoned drummer Thuto Tau. This release epitomises a remarkable convergence of advanced musical ingenuity and creative prodigies.
In the performance of Mariberibe, a hymn dating back to immemorial times of folklore, Elibasha achieves ecstatic catharsis through his lyrical interplay and responsive dynamics. Leja Maswe track is a friendly but soulful reminder dedicated to the youth to desist from engaging in intimate affairs with much older partners usually referred to as sugar daddies and/or sugar mummies.
On the song Boitshoko, the iconic jazz singer oozes emotional intensity and intriguing melodies by echoing the words of a bloke who had previously been in a sweet affair with a lady that he would, at the early part of their relationship, assist in getting her an overseas scholarship, only for the girl to ditch him once she reached her destination abroad. Another rubato voyage, Rammata, is based on a true story of the artist (Elibasha himself) at his tender age as a herd boy around his village. Mama, a four-minute piece, is an older tune retrieved from Elibasha’s cherished teenagehood years.
The 4.45-minute song Cheri starts with an electro-rock experimentalism of slow jams repertoire within the album led by an evocative strum of Elibasha’s guitar. Mokgantsutswane, which opens in an acapella chorus, exudes the poetic flair of guitarist Elibasha, who creatively flows across the rhythmic progression pollinated by the subtle afro-beat sounds. Closing the album is the song Monna. It unfolds with installing gravitas and an authoritative backbeat overlaid by occasional stroking bass. It is shrewdly executed with smooth vocals and caressing keyboard notes.
Elibasha, known as Elijah, was born in 1977 at Princess Marina Referral Hospital but raised in Botshabelo ward in Otse. He began his primary schooling at Otse Primary School from 1984 to 1990 and then attended Baratani Junior Secondary from 1991 to 1992. Unfortunately, he did not advance further due to his lower Grade-C pass.
In 2001, Elibasha received a calling to pursue his musical career, but unfortunately, his initial attempt at singing did not yield successful results. Before joining Kwasakwasa, Elibasha performed with Monti Phelefu at various venues in Otse, Boatle, Ramotswa, and some entertainment venues in Gaborone throughout most of 2001.
Subsequently, he collaborated with Alfredo Mos of Africa Sounds from 2006 to 2008. Starting in 2008, he worked with Botswana Music Union (BOMU) President ‘Fresh Les’ Losokwane, releasing two albums titled Sekopa and Kewagamang respectively. It was during this time that Elibasha transitioned to jazz. Later, in 2012, he was once again approached by Frank ‘Franco’ Losokwane, with whom he collaborated for two years.
In 2014, Elibasha joined the Botswana Teachers Union band, where he remains to this day. In 2015, he formed a band called Elibasha Crew, known for its catchy slogan, ‘Banna Ba Go Thuga Le Go Fefera’. It was from this band that the 10-track CD titled Mariberibe was conceived, and the album was launched in February.