New kids on the block Sfitawie to release first album
Teichler Rankoa | Thursday September 4, 2014 14:58
They are currently in studio wrapping up recording their new six-track album dubbed 2 by 2, which will be released end of the month.
The new kids on the block’s group Sfithawie are comprised of 23-year-old Phineas Kelekilwe from Mmathethe and Zimbabwean national Tawanda Jiyane (26) who has lived in Botswana for more than six years. Kelekilwe said he discovered his singing and dancing talent at a tender age when he was still at primary school. He expressed gratitude to Diva Vebrok who he said had given him a chance to join her band when he was young and nurtured him to show his talent. He said his time there had given him the exposure and experience that led to their album release. Kelekilwe told Showbiz that he has been a back up dancer for Diva Vebrok for a long time, and believes the skills and experience he acquired there was indispensable because they performed at several concerts in Gaborone and staged shows across the country.
“We have already tested the market with our mini shows sampling our product. We have performed alongside Diva Vebrok during her shows around the country where music lovers showed appreciation for our craft,” he explained. He further noted that in efforts to market their upcoming album, the group had performed at the BaIsago University College’ fresher’s ball on Saturday and were pleased with the reveler’s reception.
According to Kelekilwe, the 2 by 2 album is a portrayal of the challenges youth face in life. He expressed hope that it will help young people turn over a new leaf and avoid engaging in activities like drug and alcohol abuse, crime and committing passion killings. He said, the third song, titled Mma, is a dedication to all mothers and sends condolences to those who have lost their mothers. The song was influenced by a dark era when his partner Jiyane lost his mother not too long ago and they found it imperative to pen a dedication in honour of the wonderful soul she was. Kelekilwe said track four titled Lorato tries to narrate the story of two lovers who stick together through thick and thin. The message, he said, is that when two people are in love, they are always happy and easily iron through their differences and misunderstandings.
Other tracks in the album include Cheri, My baby and Bula Circle, which music lovers have endeared to.