Astley Gops� musical journey so far
Chippa Legodimo | Wednesday April 2, 2014 10:02
His sixth album Dikgato Tsame reflects on his musical journey since he started as a lanky hopeful in 1999.
“It have been quite an eventful journey for me filled with all sorts of challenges, faults and of coarse some successes. The album retraces my steps from that time and remember I took this journey with my fans and it also tells their story,” he tells Showbiz.
According to him, the music in his new offering highlights the importance of faithfulness and responsibility, especially by couples towards each other.
Some years the talented musician was rumoured to have fathered a child with a concubine in Mochudi. He now says: “I have grown and mended my ways. I want to show people that anyone can change if they put their mind to it. I reach more people through music and it is only through that I can spread my message.”
While he is undoubtedly one of the country’s best musical products, it has been difficult for the slender musician to reach an international audience.
While he acknowledges that weakness, Gops insists he would use his new album to market his brand properly.
“Talking of some of my successes, I have been able to break into the South African market. I am changing the strategy where I will get professionals to work on various aspects of my career. Already I have set up a Facebook page that is run by a company called Voxpop because they can handle public relations better,” he said.
One of the few local performers who still refuse to change genres, Gops once again has stuck with the Afro-pop and Afro-jazz sounds that have made him one of the steady performers of this era.
His fans can brace for interesting pieces such as Ke Go Naa Moya in which a partner confirms his loyalty and commitment to the other partner.
Another track that should have the crowds excited is Botsotsi. While the song addresses a serious issue of petty thieves who terrorise innocent people in the streets, it also offers some dance-oriented melodies.
But what should draw any listener closer to the new album is a good combination of the musician’s good vocals and carefully composed instrumentals. For the first time Gops who originates from Letlhakeng will have a major launch of his album in Ditshegwane.
“Once again I want to thank all those who made me who I am. I come from that area and the people there have been on this journey with me,” he said.
From there, Gops will embark on a national tour to promote the new album covering areas such as Tsabong, Hukuntsi, Gantsi, Maun, Kasane and Francistown.
The grand finale is expected to be in Gaborone on a date yet to be announced.