Mapetla on comeback trail
Goitsemodimo Kaelo | Friday October 12, 2018 13:05
Now the award winner is on the verge of a return to the stage with a 14-track album to be released in November.
Having taken a six-year leave from the industry after releasing his last album in 2012, Mapetla says he expects his sixth album to be bigger as he looks to reclaim the king of Kwaito crown.
Born Thabo Ntirang, Mapetla feels he has recharged, refined and is ready to fill up the void he left. Judging by his recent performance in Tlokweng alongside Skazzo where he also sampled one song called Senakhona from his upcoming album, which the crowd seemed to love and appreciate, he could be back bigger and better.
Mapetla did not rush into the studio to record the album, as he started meticulously working on it in 2015. This means Mapetla is serious about making an immediate impact and reminding his fans and the industry alike of who he is. However, it is still too early to tell if he will reach the same heights of success as his previous albums.
The former BOMU award winner said that the industry has not changed much although new entrants have brought in a new style into the game. “It hasn’t changed much, especially Kwaito which is the genre I am doing. Although I last released an album in 2012, I have not been completely out of the game as I have been on a few occasions and was getting a few bookings. I have been working on the project since 2015 and took time to perfect it. People should expect nothing but quality,” said Mapetla.
“The game changes, with youngsters coming in with new styles while also realising that I have reached my peak, I had to take a step back, find my rhythm and learn the new sound which has been brought along and is associated with today’s generation.”
Mapetla stated that he has assembled a production team that is second to none as he worked with the “best of the best” in his upcoming album and is ready for the challenge to take the industry on.
“I have worked with Kenny Mackenzo, the guy who produced Phantsi’ Phezulu, BK Proctor, South African Josta and Thulasize both from Dr Malinga’s team, Thabiso Ntshwene, Thulasizwe, T.H.A.B.O, Noello, Moabi Sefako and my sister Katlego Ntirang who is one of the best vocalists around. I tried to pick the best of the best,” he added.
On whether he believes he still has it in him to make the cut and claim back the glory from the likes of MMP Family, who have been doing well, Mapetla said that his experience will come in handy. He said that he respects MMP Family because they are very talented and have been doing well.
However, Mapetla cheekily stated that he is self-assured of his place because ever since he took a leave from the game no one has reached the peak he was at. Mapetla, who is now a father of two said that having taken a break from the studio also helped him raise his children.
He stated that life has been good as he spent more time with his family, but now with the energy that he comes back with, he is ready to roll back the memories.
Meanwhile, the former Jorotane hitmaker said that he is in discussion with other people to bring back his dance competition show styled after one of his hit tracks, Shaya Ma Get Down, which aired on Btv. The show served to unearth dance talent in the country.