Chachaoka take bus rank commuters by storm

CHIPPA LEGODIMO
Correspondent | Monday March 29, 2010 00:00

 

These 'small shows'' are common in Gaborone, especially at the bus rank area where crowds get a chance to see these upcoming musicians perform their songs.  But despite that people pay nothing to watch these shows, one still needs to put a good performance to impress the audience, otherwise, they would walk away one-by-one until there is no one watching.Naledi-based upcoming traditional dance group, Chachaoka   are sure to have left a lasting impressing on the minds of those who watched them promoting their debut album at the Gaborone Station, in front of Javeria to be precise.

The youngsters from one of the country's oldest townships were clearly there to grab attention with their good songs and dance. To them one does not need a lot of money to market their music, it is about showing people what they are capable of.

Their five-track album Tsamaya released late last year, has not turned into a big record yet, but with a few of such shows plus a bigger audience alongside the more popular groups and they'll get be there.

The youngsters together with another new gospel group called Mashabas attracted much attention from commuters some who had earlier decided to ignore them.

Lead vocalist Kekgonegile Moeng might be new to this industry, but can give few established fellows a good run for their money. Apart from his excellent vocal ability, the musician also has a strong stage presence, something needed to make the audiences attracted even when a moderate song is on air. Like many local groups, Chachaoka  mix their traditional music with Dikhwaere and those who had earlier given some funny looks had a quick change of heart when they played the track Tsamaya.

'We really want to show people that there are many good things about Zola,' he said in reference to Old Naledi's naughty reputation.'I know some would just say the reason we do not feature at big name festivals is that we are not good enough, but that is not true.  We want to step up steadily and it starts here because people can watch us for free after or before they do their shopping.

Some people cannot go to the night festivals.  They get a chance to see us and they start enquiring, this is a cheap way though - not the best way of marketing ourselves - but we shall expand with time,' Moeng said. 

Though many people seemed to show more interest on the traditional music group, no one at the venue could ignore Mashabas whose female vocalists look destined for  greatness as long as they get proper nurturing.

Their track Phanzi, a Zulu track, reminded the crowd of those popular South African acts and the lead voices were simply fantastic. Like the other group, the four members exuded a lot of confidence celebrating their youth with modern dances, which simply got the crowd into tune.