Disco: A genre reclaiming throne on local music scene
Boitumelo Khutsafalo | Friday November 13, 2026 11:05
A huge wave is Disco music, a genre that once dominated the DJ sets and car music systems, just refuses to die, thanks to the modern day producers and artists who have incorporated new elements and lyrics into their music. Across the Southern Africa including Botswana, the late South African producer and vocalist, Dan Tshanda, was an inspiration to most upcoming disco artist. With his stable, Dalom Music production, they kept the genre and the culture alive. Tshanda through his popular band, Splash, played a significant role in shaping the Disco genre in Botswana and neighbouring countries. He did that not only through his albums, but also through his constant tours and performances. While other new genres popped up and stole the limelight, the South African legend remained undeterred; making sure that the genre survives the storm.
Following Tshanda’s death in 2019, there were fears that Disco music could finally find itself on the deathbed. However, at the time of his passing, Botswana was already blessed with a couple of producers who also doubled as artists to keep the fire burning. The likes of Bisto, Zangwana and Cabido, also known as Mahempe and vocalists such as Khoza Mkhozeni kept producing albums while also entertaining their loyal fans through performances. However, despite the few torch bearers, there was a general feeling that the culture and music was slowly fading away.
The worries came with the younger generation now riding the Amapiano, Lekompo and House music waves. Of late however, the Disco music seems to be experiencing a major comeback. The new generation of Disco artists such as Bhona GNT and Malome Biki are bringing back old Disco heads while also bringing up new fans. The new stars are now joining the likes of Cabido and Khoza Mkhozeni in vowing that they will let the culture die while they are still alive. The new sound, which they casually call Disco ya Ma2000 is currently dominating airwaves ahead of the festive season.
Bhona GNT in particular is currently the man of the moment with his hit songs, Waaka ke Waaka, Botshelo and his collaboration with Malome Biki and Cabido on the hit, Khutsana. Not only is he enjoying the airwaves, Bhona GNT is also breaking boundaries, getting bookings in almost all the big shows across the country. In recent years, Disco artists have been crying loud about getting snubbed by promoters, only getting bookings for low budget events and social gatherings. However, the new kid on the block seems to be penetrating a market that seemed to have faded away.
For example, he was recently announced as one of the artists set to perform at this year’s Gaabo Motho music festival scheduled for December 24 in Moshupa as well as Born and Raised festival in Serowe on December 23. With these breakthroughs, there is suddenly a feeling among Disco fans that their favourite music could be making its way back to the top again.