Lecco to launch first album under 999
Spira Tlhankane | Tuesday February 21, 2017 18:00
Lecco has worked with 999 records since the late nineties as a music distributor and promoter in Botswana. Kwaito king Arthur Mafokate’s 999 records was founded in the early 1990s and became a major player in the South Africa entertainment industry.
Some of the artists who have been discovered, managed, represented, promoted or produced by the label include Lira, Chomee, the late Mandoza, Speedy, Aba Shante, Queen, the late Brenda Fassie, Joe Nina, the late Lebo Mathosa of Boom Shaka, Jeff Maluleke and Chiskop.
Speaking to the media on Friday, 999’s top diva, Chomee, said the reason Arthur signed Lecco is because he has an eye for talent and sees hunger in artists. “He is not all about gaining, Arthur believes in support,” she said. The South African musician who joined 999 when she was still a teenager said they are proud of Lecco. She said Batswana should support Lecco and help him grow into a powerful brand. Chomee said 999 records is still relevant and they are now doing the new age Kwaito.
For his part the CEO of COSBOTS Thato Mokobi said it has been a long time coming and now local artists are signing significant undertakings. “At COSBOTS we have always encouraged collaborations because it’s a chance for artists to develop their brand.” He thanked 999 for the huge opportunity. “It’s a significant milestone because we have the talent and we can ourselves go to their level and be the best,” he said.
Lecco said he came at the right time because a lot of artists at 999 are about to release albums. “I have been promoting them for years and this is my first album under them and third album overall,” he said. Lecco said he had long waited for this moment now it has finally arrived. He said he could have signed for 999 before but he was afraid and felt he was not ready.
He said the 10-tracked album will be launched in April and all the 999 artists will be there to perform. He said kwaito has changed its sound to suit the modern times. Lecco has already released a single called Carol featuring the legendary Arthur Mafokate.