Former street kids invade local music industry
Nnasaretha Kgamanyane | Wednesday April 26, 2017 14:42
Martin Batshwareng who is 27-years, and his partner Oarabile Tshupetso from Strata Records have released a song titled Strata where they share their experiences. Against all odds, the two young men have decided to turn their lives around.
Batshwareng, whose stage name is Le-Martoo is the vocalist, whilst his partner Tshupetso mastered the song’s beats. In the song, they feature Volam Khid.
Batshwareng, who also sells local merchandise, pointed out that his efforts to change his life by selling local brands gave him exposure to some of the local artistes like Zeus, ATI and others who discovered their talent.
“After Zeus realised that we have potential in the music industry, he advised us to share our talent with the nation at large. He believes in us,” he said. The young man said his love for hip-hop started when he was young.
He added that since merchandise and music work hand in hand, he saw it fit to share his rapping skills with the nation. In order to differentiate himself from other young artists, Batshwareng said he intends to share his life experience through music.
He said he will soon release a single titled Dear Mama, which would be dedicated to his late mother. He said the late Tupac’s song Dear Mama from his album Me Against The World inspired the song.
Born in Molepolole, Batshwareng told Showbiz that life became unbearable after he lost his mother at a tender age, while a Standard 4 pupil.
“I lost my mum when I was doing standard four. Her death affected my family badly. As a result, I failed my Junior Certificate (JC) examinations.
This is because our family was subjected to poverty. Most of the time I would go to bed and to school hungry. I was a brilliant child but because of poverty, I could not concentrate in class,” he said.
Batshwareng who also has a little sister said their efforts to get food basket from the social workers ran futile because their father is alive. He said at the time his father was unemployed and could not take care of their basic needs.
After failing his JC, the young man who was at the time a young boy, migrated to Gaborone to seek greener pastures. Unfortunately, things did not turn out as he hoped resulting in him being a street kid.
For his part, Tshupetso said their new single is a testimony that no matter the circumstances one faces, it is upon each person to change his/her lifestyle.
“Even though we want to make a mark in the local music industry, we are facing financial difficulties. We are also looking for a manager.
However, we are in talks with Zenzel Hirschfield. We are calling on the Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Sport and Culture Development to help us cut the CDs so that we can be able to sell them as soon as possible.
We would also like to ask Batswana to help where possible,” he said.
Tshupetso also said the single include a song titled 2016 Re-Wind. He said they chose that song because BOT50 temporarily changed their lives as they were given job opportunities.
Just like his friend, Tshupetso who was raised by a single parent and ran away from home after his mother failed to give him a stable home.
The mother’s boyfriend told her that he could not raise her son. The then small boy went to stay with his elder sister, but her boyfriend also chased him off their house.
He was forced to stay in abandoned houses where he later decided to leave school when he was doing standard four.
“I started using glue and other drugs. My life was a mess. I used to beg people for food and at times I would eat in dustbins because no one cared about me. However growing up, I decided to stop using glue and drugs. I wanted to turn a new leaf in my life.
My friend Batshwareng asked me to join him in his business. My life is now much better. I can afford to clothe myself and buy food. I have moved back to my sister after her boyfriend left and I help her buy groceries,” he added.
The two young men have assured Showbiz that they no longer use drugs and that they are determined to improve their lives.