Charma Gal reigns supreme
Sharon Mathala | Tuesday September 2, 2025 09:57
On Saturday night, at the third annual Kgosi ya Mosadi concert, the queen of modern traditional music lived up to her title, turning the Royal Aria venue into her playground. The night was not without heartbreak. Shortly after her performance, news filtered through the crowd of the passing of fellow artist, Atlasaone “ATI” Molemogi, who ironically had been billed as part of the line-up. The show, however, went on, with many in the audience holding onto the bittersweet contrast of celebration and loss. Born Magdalene Lesolebe, aged 42, Charma Gal’s colourful career can be traced back to her early days with the iconic traditional group Culture Spears. She would later form the all-female outfit Ekentolo before launching her solo journey a decade ago. Over the years, she has cemented herself as one of Botswana’s undisputed queens of song, earning the title Kgosi ya Mosadi, the name she would later bestow upon her annual showcase.
Her legion of fans, who proudly call themselves Charmians, filled the Royal Aria stadium to capacity. Although the night’s programme included several ‘friends of Charma Gal’ as supporting acts, it was clear that the thousands in attendance had come for one woman only. When the clock struck 2 am, anticipation gave way to euphoria. From the moment Charma Gal stepped onto the stage, she commanded attention. Opening with her hit single Ke Nna, she sent the stadium into a frenzy, rewarding fans who had waited patiently for their queen. What followed was hours of music, dance, and celebration, a reflection of her artistry, resilience, and journey through both triumph and turbulence. For Charma Gal, music has always been more than melody; it has been a way of weaving personal trials into art. Saturday night was no exception.
Her ability to sustain the crowd’s energy across a long set stood as a testament to her endurance and the authenticity of her craft. One of the highlights of the night was undoubtedly her fashion. True to her reputation as a trendsetter, Charma Gal dazzled fans with five distinct outfits, each echoing a different side of her persona. She began with a regal golden-brown gown, shimmering under the stage lights as she welcomed her subjects. Midway through the show, she channelled pop royalty with a Michael Jackson-inspired look before changing into a daring sequined jumpsuit that showcased her boldness as a performer. Later, she softened the mood in a flowing short white gown as she performed the spiritual favourite Manyeloi. Each outfit was more than fabric; it was a statement. But beyond the spectacle lay the connection. Time and again, Charma Gal paused to speak directly to her Charmians, thanking them for their unwavering support and reminding them that they remain the heartbeat of her career.
Each time she called out their name, the stadium erupted in unison, a powerful declaration of loyalty. Supporting acts brought their energy, but the night belonged wholly to Charma Gal. With a setlist blending timeless hits and newer tracks, backed by a live band and dancers, her performance was polished yet deeply authentic, rooted in the rhythms that have made her one of Botswana’s most celebrated artists. The Kgosi ya Mosadi concert has grown in stature since its inception, and this third edition firmly cemented its place as one of the country’s biggest annual music events.