Lionhearted Genius follows in father�s footsteps
Chippa Legodimo | Friday June 6, 2014 16:29
Being the son of a legend has not assured 29-year-old Genius of success in the music industry. After eight years on the jazz music scene, the singer-cum-poet is yet to lay claim to music stardom. But like the lion cub lost to its mother’s comfort and protection, he bravely predicts a bright future.
“People often compare me with my father. They expect me to be like him or do things his way, but carrying his genes does not mean we are exactly the same. I have to find my own path to the top and I am going to do that,” he told Arts & Culture at Millennium Restaurant on Saturday where he played at Shumba Ratshega’s Leso La Monnamogolo DVD launch.
The young Senyatso said being compared to the legendary Kgwanyape leader does not bother him much because he believes he has the potential to become an even greater performer.
“It is good to have people expecting a lot from you because it makes you work harder. My father was simply a genius but he believed in my talent and I have no reason to doubt myself,” he said.
His musical ambition took a serious knock after the death of his father, but he defiantly declares that nothing will stop his way to his dreams. He vividly recalled how he used to open the stage for his father with a praise poem and how Senyatso senior was determined to set him on the road to stardom.
“He had already agreed with Bra Hugh (Hugh Masekela) to enroll me at his academy in South Africa. But instead of complaining I have decided to face the world alone and create my own legacy,” he said.
While he acknowledged that the passing of his father robbed him of a good mentor, Genius, is happy that his father had already taught him a few lessons about music and life in general. Among other things the Mephato Ya Maloba composer had taught his son is that the road to self-destruction was failure to acknowledge others’ strengths.
It is for this reason that the young musician is quick to acknowledge other musicians’ brilliance and continues to learn from them. His decision to join Ratshega’s stable is testimony to his respect for the Borankana singer’s growth and maturity in music.
Like his late father Genius believes in using his music to culturally inspire others and poetry skills are just a plus.
“This is a very good year for people to use their culture to bring change. I am happy that in recent years I have seen a trend in which Batswana are slowly changing from a nation that embraces western culture over their own. We see them appreciating traditional sounds more,” he told Arts & Culture.
While some might see his rise to stardom as too slow the musician is adamant that such steady progress is necessary if he is to make any meaningful impact. He said: “True legends are not made overnight.”
“My father had been around for a long time, even before I was born. When I grew up he was away touring Europe with a band comprising of him, Masekela, Louis Mhlanga, Jethro Shasha and Dorothy Masuku. I know I want to achieve big in music and it has to take time if it is to last long,” he reasoned.
The results of this steady rise are soon to be realised when he releases his first album called Tlhako Ya Morago next month. Like the English saying like father like son the musician insists he feels indebted to continue his father’s journey.
“My father was on a musical and cultural journey, but that he is dead does not mean his journey and dream of effecting positive change should also die,” he said.