Shumba Returns As A 'Lion'

MONKAGEDI GAOTLHOBOGWE
Staff Writer | Monday December 7, 2009 00:00

 

He tells Showtime that he is actually a lion. ' 'My name is Shumba, and it means a lion.This artist is perfect. The last time it was attempted, it did not come out so well on the DVD cover, now the concept has been perfectly captured and the picture is crispy, people will love this,' he said excitedly.

The DVD has been bankrolled by DNC Music, a South African company although Shumba says the company would be responsible for marketing and distribution of the product only in South Africa.

In between the music videos, the lion animation can be seen as well. A particular fact to note is that Shumba has abandoned wearing the lion skin, the Tshega, in this video. 

Tshega over the years had become Shumba's trademark, as he laid bare his buttocks on stage.

The film is exciting with traditional Tswana lifestyle like donkey cart riding, but also depicts the beauty of some Bobirwa landscapes such as a forest with tall trees, as well as rivers. The viewers would also be enthused by the demonstration of hare hunting, a culture common among the Babirwa. In this video, hunters track a hare with dogs, and the chase begins.  The hare is eventually caught. Shumba also stars as one of the hunters.

He also demonstrates the art of traditional thatching, as he gets on top of the hut with a bundle of thatching grass and begins to lay it on the roof. He also plays a farmer, demonstrating traditional cropping using a donkey-drawn plough.

The tradition of dance by the fire is also beautifully captured in the DVD which started circulating on Friday with about 1,000 copies ordered by the famous local Chinese wholesaler, Minghai, according to   Shumba.

He has also announced he has reunited with his former manager, Chilly Segona, who is now doing the distribution and marketing of the product, as well as promotions in Botswana.

In the same DVD, Shumba introduces his new set of dancers - Itshekeng Seotshabeng of Seleka, Kelebonye Gotlhokag of Thamaga, Motheo Radifalana of Bokaa, and Sethobena Mosimanegape of Molepolole. He says he will be releasing a new album next year with the new dancers also featuring.