Smarh returns with Konyana
Kennedy Ramokone | Sunday July 20, 2025 06:00
The song is derived from the Zion hymn book, and Smarh says it is an expression of gratitude and praise to the Lord for protecting him during his time behind bars. Smarh has not released music since his conviction and prison sentence for rape in 2023.
Smarh told Arts&Culture in an interview that dropping Konyana was one way of communicating with his people in and out of prison and thanking the one above. “While I was in prison, I used to sing Zion hymns, and I started getting ideas of infusing gospel into deep house because people like it,' he said.
Smarh further alluded that his music is driven by what he sees happening in the country. “One of the reasons why I dropped the house gospel is that people are wounded and sinking. I felt it's high time I gave them healing by this song,” said Smarh.
He said through song, he will help people to fight the battles they are facing. “People are spiritually incarcerated, they are in prison and dead while they are walking, and that is why there is jealousy, envy, all of these happen because we aren't accustomed to knowing the truth. The bible says the blood of the lamb (konyana) offers protection, cleansing, and the promise of eternal life,' he added.
Smarh also said he is working on an album, which will be released soon. In the album, he sings in different languages to send his message. “I use many languages in the album. Savavira, I sang it in Sesobia, my mother is Sobia and Kalanga, there are more in Swahili, and some you wouldn't believe it's me singing because the exact punctuations, vowels, and nouns used are so precise. I am looking forward to being back in the community, continuing to do the legacy that I laid”, he said.
He also said his worship music will always convey the message to the unreachable hearts because of the genre and styles he uses. Konyana was produced by two producers, Thomas Chilume and Kzar, just to build the spirit of unity. “I am proud of these guys. I brought them together to add more fire to the song so that I cater to all ages,' he added.
Apart from music, Smarh also offers master of ceremony services for events, be it corporate, funerals, or weddings. He has a song called Tshwana that he sings during weddings. “I have a song specifically for weddings, I include names of the groom and bride in that song when I perform it,” he said.
The Boteti native, who is now based in Gaborone, started his music journey at an early age during Sunday school days. He describes himself as a musician, not an artist, because he does many genres. In 2008, he released an Afro pop hit song titled Ndobolo, which he is well known for.