Diathoteng releases Mmapereko album

AKEEM HASAAN
Correspondent | Thursday May 8, 2008 00:00

A few years ago they released Mr Tagg's Tlhaloso album, which had some sizzling tracks such as Selemela and Lorato. They released Makheso's kwaito album and some DJ mix tapes. Late last year they released their first ever traditional dance album by a group called Diathoteng. This is a Tswana proverb that can be equated to the proverb 'birds of a feather flock together'.

Like the name suggests, Diathoteng is a five-member outfit who come from different areas brought together by their love for culture. They pledge that they have the same cultural traits, style and taste. Godiraone Dickson Mothibedi, the group's lead singer, informed Showbiz that they tried several names for their band and ultimately settled for Diathoteng. He explained that their target dance is Setapa that caters for adult audiences, hence their beat and pace is slow and soulful. 'Even our musical accompaniments maintain a slow rhythm,' said Mothibedi when quizzed on their style of singing. Asked why they chose to record at Nuff Respects, Mothibedi said: 'We liked their musical arrangements and style. They gave us a sample of one of their projects and we immediately signed a deal with them.

He also revealed that through the mentorship of DJ Maestro Jankie, they were able to maintain their planned slow traditional beats unlike other producers who wanted to change their style.

Mmapereko is a 10-track album, which is rich in Ngwaketsi culture and packed with Tswana riddles, proverbs and similes. Most songs seem compatible to different forms of Setapa dances such as tlhako and thula thula.

Mmapereko is the title track. It is a song that seeks to advise females to diligently carry out their duties and chores other than casually. It is based on the folklore of a female called Mmapereko who cared less about anything even her personal hygiene. She fails to even cook palatable food. Mothibedi uses his mature tenor to melodiously shun this unbecoming behavior among nowadays females.

Another notable track is Diathoteng. This is an introduction song for the group as they pledge to offer the best cultural music as well as being cultural agents. The song also states the different dances that each member is good at. The group uses the old man's voice the likes of Ratsie Setlhako and Speech Madimabe to express contemporary issues that mostly affect the youth.

Phantsha Thuntsha is proving to be a favourate song during the group's promotional shows. The track is filled with with riddles, Tswana vulgar language and provocative to young men who always want to impress girls. The song has a slow tempo and rhythm suitable for elderly dancers.

Other good tracks include Tau, Tshaba ntho, Mma mothulama, and Sphonono. It remains to be seen if the group will not break up, as splits seem to be the trend among promising traditional dance groups.