Afro-pop star Gaerobale releases scorcher

EPHRAIM KEORENG
Staff Writer | Thursday January 22, 2009 00:00

 

The first track Koi, written by popular Afro-pop producer Evans Modubule is a song that talks about complex relationships and tensions that often build up between a housemaid and her female boss. She  is angry that the maid is unruly and enjoys stolen moments of carnal pleasure with her husband in her absence. This is an issue that has often been discussed at different fora - from newspapers to radio stations and bars. Cases of married men frolicking with their domestic workers with some ending up divorcing their wives and getting married to them are rife, so it is remarkable that this artist amplifies the message and through her album, communicates it to a much larger audience.

Fuduane, the second track, is a known song that is usually sung by choral choirs. The third track, Kgeleke, which is also the title track is a song of pride and a sense of greatness. Here, Thulie asserts her power as a musical great. She challenges anyone who dares to come forward and see if he or she can beat her at music. Mothowame is a love song that flows with passion. It is that kind of song that a lover would want to hear their loved ones crooning in their ear when they wake up in the morning. The singer tells her love that he is so beautiful and the only one 'that I love. You are my shield, my world. I  am proud because of you,' the song says in part.

In informal Setswana usage,  the word Chobolo is meant to refer to a very noisy and hotheaded person who is quick to tongue-lash others. On her fifth track, Chobolo, Thulie addresses this character, a woman whom she says is wreaking havoc, making children feel uneasy with her demeanor, shouting at them for no apparent reason. Artists are like mirrors.

They help the society have a look at its different characters - the good, the bad and the ugly and the comical. In this album, Thulie plays this role well as she helps us look at ourselves and reflect on the social challenges we face as ordinary people.

The sixth song, Maphuthadichaba is a re-mix of a song from her previous album. The original one became an instant hit and one hopes this one too will be a big success. The album was produced by Evans Modubule, David Dumako and Ace Sikwa.