The classic man’s Kalanga revival
Otlarongwa Kgweetsi | Thursday June 12, 2025 09:36
His latest single, Nda Wa’Na Tjimgwe, is not merely a song, but a cultural offering steeped in poetic Ikalanga, carrying echoes of matrimonial tradition, identity, and spiritual alignment. In an interview with Arts&Culture, Macheke explained that the song is about self-identification and love. “It draws from an ancient Kalanga marriage proposal. I’m inviting my people, my family and my friends to walk with me into a new world of love, responsibility, and vision. But if you listen deeper, there’s a hidden message. Let’s just say I’m not revealing everything yet,” Macheke said. Written in lyrical, ancient Ikalanga, Nda Wa’Na Tjimgwe is the first glimpse into an upcoming EP that will form part of an album titled Mu Ndi Peleke Walk With Me.
Macheke highlighted that this project is more than just a collection of tracks. It is a spiritual and cultural journey for anyone willing to listen with more than just their ears. Macheke’s creative process is almost ritualistic. “I don’t write in studios. I meditate alone deep in the bush. Just me, God, and the souls of my DNA. The melodies come in dreams, visions. Then I bring them to life,” he said. His musical identity, described as Soulful Ikalanga Jazz with a glimpse of Hip Hop and R&B, defies classification. It is music that heals, entertains, and educates. And surprisingly, the sound resonates across generations. “I thought this sound would only appeal to elders,” he admits. “But the youth? They’ve taken it in and raised the flag high,” he adds. Part of this sonic evolution includes a recent collaboration with producer and artist Jay Black.
The partnership, Macheke says, goes beyond music. “We call it a brotherhood support system. We’re using what we have now, our skills, our limited resources, to build each other. Jay’s work ethic is something else. He’s committed to quality and creativity. I encourage other creatives to work with him,” he elaborates. Macheke is no stranger to pioneering moves. In 2017, he launched The Ultra Chord of Melodies, Botswana’s first advanced a cappella band. After the pandemic, he transitioned into building infrastructure with the formation of Black Voice Melodies (BVM) Empire, a record label agency dedicated to unearthing and professionalising raw talent across Francistown and surrounding areas. “We’ve recruited over 25 young artists, built a choir, a live band, and another a cappella group,” he says. “We’re building from the ground up creating platforms, not just performances,” he adds. Despite this momentum, Macheke is candid about the roadblocks. “The main challenge is capital. The second? The lack of structured representation for artists. We need functioning unions, labels, and promoters who understand the business and the culture. Right now, we’re fighting with creativity and heart but without backing,” he says. Even so, he has had some shining moments on big stages performing for Prince Andrew at Cresta Marang in 2016 and again in 2018 at an event attended by former Presidents Masisi and Ian Khama. “Those were affirmations. That we matter. That our sound matters,” he remarks.
Still, whether it is a corporate gig or a traditional wedding, Macheke treats every performance with the same intention, to uplift. “To me, every stage is sacred. Whether I’m at a backyard ceremony or a national gala, it’s about sharing love, empowering people and reviving what makes us who we are,” he says. His musical heroes include Ndingo Johwa, Lizibo, and his parents, whom he credits for preserving the cultural knowledge that informs his work. “My father and mother are walking archives, I consult them often,” he says. Looking ahead, Macheke is working towards a full album release and an official launch in October. He hints at more visuals, more collaborations, and perhaps even a tour. He explains that this music is rich, joyful, reflective, and full of learning. He wants people to feel something they have forgotten. As for success? “Changing lives, inspiring people, healing and empowering. That’s success. Of course, revenue for sustainability is very welcome too,” says Macheke. To young artists still trying to find their footing, Macheke has this to say, “Be yourself. That means your language, your customs, your truth. Don’t chase the market, carry your people with you. Learn the business. Study. Sharpen your craft. That’s how you’ll go global by being deeply, proudly local.”