Abbie releases gospel album

LEKOPANYE MOOKETSI
Correspondent | Thursday December 2, 2010 00:00

'I think I have opened the doors for other artists to sing this type of music,' she said, adding that the country is blessed with talent. Besides her, she said, there was nobody who was doing traditional gospel in the country.

Other musicians who were involved on the project include Gaba Magashula and Isaiah Malolwane.  

The album was recorded after Abbie turned 30 on September 8.  To her, the album was like a thanksgiving to God.  Some of the songs on the album include the title track itself, Re kopa go bona. Abbie told Showbiz that there has been a positive response to the album.  She said the album appeals mostly to the older generation.

'The album is doing well.  This is due to the response that I have been receiving,' she said. She said other people feel that the album is touching.  It is beautiful gospel, they have assured the artist. 

Abbie said they are still promoting the new album.  They intend to stage shows in Lobatse and Kanye because they have already staged shows in places like Jwaneng where people were very supportive.

Abbie said the idea behind the album is not about making profits.  'We were not motivated by money; we were fulfilling our dreams.  We were singing from the bottom of our hearts.  We did it with our souls.  We want to spread the message,' Abbie said. 'By nature I am very small but my voice is always booming.  Even my backing artists have rich voices.  Our music can comfort you,' she said, adding that they sing at funerals, parties and weddings. 

Abbie's album was self-sponsored.  Malolwane was one of the people who contributed significantly to the recording of the album.  'There were so many indivi1duals who assisted us.  My parents were also supportive. They contributed financially.' Abbie also spoke about plans to shoot a DVD of the album.  'We are likely to come with the DVD next year,' she said.  Ke kopa go bona is Abbie's debut album.  But Abbie has always been involved in music on way or the other.  Coming from a family singers, Abbie started singing when she was seven.   She was singing for the church choir. Her father is a pastor and singer.  

It was her father who encouraged her to sing gospel. 'Even my mother as well as my brothers and sisters are singers.'

Abbie said she has always been invited by Afro pop groups to join them but she preferred gospel. Abbie's past involvement in the industry was not on the stage.  She started by working at Zen Promotions, a company that specialises in music promotions. 

She also worked for Steve Raman, who is running three nights clubs in Gaborone: Satchmo's jazz caf, Grand West nightclub and Zoom.  Abbie was doing the marketing for the nightclubs. 

'I wanted to start music when I was already conversant with the industry.  If you don't know anything about the industry, you would be ripped off,' she said.

Abbie is willing to learn from established artists.   She is also looking forward to working with South African gospel artists.