Silos introduces himself with debut single
Laone Choeunyane | Monday February 9, 2026 06:36
True to its title, Dumelang (which translates to Hello in Setswana) is exactly that: a greeting. The song carries an uptempo Afro jazz melody, driven by smooth trumpet lines that echo the timeless sound of Southern African jazz greats such as Socca Moruakgomo, while still feeling distinctly contemporary. Speaking about the creative process, Silos explains that the song was built organically with his band. “I wrote the lyrics, and for the music I just got the band together and shared with them what I wanted,” he said.
At its heart, Dumelang is about introduction, openness, and hospitality. “The message of the song is just dumelang... basically it’s my introduction song. It’s my first single, my first song, so I’m just introducing myself to the people; Batswana and everyone,” Silos said. The song reflects Botswana’s cultural warmth and inclusivity, weaving together greetings in multiple languages. “Botswana is a very loving country, and we welcome everyone, so my song includes a lot of indigenous languages such as Sekgalagadi and Seyei... and also Afrikaans, French, and English,” he explained. This multilingual approach reinforces the song’s joyful spirit and universal appeal. “It’s a happy song,” Silos said simply.
Beyond music, Dumelang has a deeper message about how people present themselves to the world. “You should make sure that people know you, give them a smile, give them a lovely face, so that they can welcome you,” he said, reflecting on the meaning behind the title. Silos, who primarily plays trumpet and bass guitar for his band, did not walk this journey alone. Renowned local jazz legend Bakang Lenyaola played a key role during the making of the single, offering guidance, an experienced ear, and much-needed validation throughout the process. With Dumelang, Kopo ‘Silos’ Masilonyane steps confidently onto the Afro jazz stage, offering not just a song, but a sincere handshake to listeners near and far. And this is only the beginning. “I will release another single in the future,” he confirmed. For now, Silos is saying hello, and Afro jazz lovers are listening.
Dumelang will be available for streaming on Apple Music and YouTube.