KTM Choir releases Botswana
Staff Writer | Tuesday October 4, 2016 18:00
KTM, an acronym for Kgalemang Tumediso Motsete – the composer of the National Anthem who was honoured to be the face of P20 note, was founded by the late Botswana Movement for Democracy (BMD) president Gomolemo Motswaledi back in 1993.
The new album, aimed at celebrating Botswana’s 50-year independence and success, features 11 tracks some new compositions while others are remakes of the choir’s classics. At the launch, some of the former choir members that have turned up to be great musicians in their own right, paid tribute to the choir by performing some of their hits post KTM Choir tenure. It was the highly-acclaimed producer and song writer Tshepho Lesole, the pint-sized Lizibo of Mpatela Mosadi fame, and the mesmerising Gospel-turned jazz songstress Puna Gabasiane who did her O Rile Wa Nyala classic. Conducted by Luka Disho and backed by a live band, KTM presented their Botswana album with the ladies wearing beautiful flowing blue dresses while the men were in dark suits and white shirts. The new song that got the crowd moving in the album was Go Monate, which is composed by Disho. The album features six of Motswaledi’s compositions, four by Disho and the national anthem by Motsete. The launch was powered by Liberty Life who ‘blessed’ the choir with P150,000. At the launch, Liberty Life business development mangaer, Daniel Matlhagela said they were happy to have partnered with KTM on the production of the album.
“I know this album will be appreciated by many because of the important messages it carries,” said Matlhagela, who also spoke affectionately of the five-year relationship they have had with the Choir so far and wished it could continue to flourish for years to come.