Mosele, Mmereki make awesome combination

LEKOPANYE MOOKETSI
Correspondent | Thursday March 11, 2010 00:00

 

For quite some time, the two  musos have been collaborating on joint music projects.  They also make an awesome combination on the stage.

On Sunday evening they were doing their own thing as they were belting out Mosele's hit song, Ntsa E Jele  Ntsanyana.  This was during a tribute show for the late trumpeter Jacob Mmusi.

Ntsa E Je Le Ntsanyana was voted as the best music video during last  year Botswana Musicians Union (BOMU) awards.  It was one of the most popular songs  in the past year. In this track, the two veterans really show off the stern stuff that they are made of.   Mosele and Mmereki have been in this game for a long time, but their music still remains relevant.  Mosele is based in Norway, but every time when he checks home, he would check on his old friend to work on some projects. The well-travelled  Mosele has always showed his willingness to work with local artists.  He does not treat himself as an international star.  Mosele is also a cultural activist who has always been proud of his roots.  Even in Norway, he sings in Setswana. 

Speaking of their working relationship with Mmereki, Mosele recalled that they come from a long way together.  Mmereki was already in music when Mosele was still a youngster.  Mosele said he was inspired by Mmereki, who used to play for some of the country's oldest groups.  'He was a popular vocalist in the 70s.  I grew up, looking up to him,' said Mosele about his mentor.

Mosele said he worked with Mmereki on his first album.  Everytime when he is working on some local music projects, he invites Mmereki to assist him.  Mosele has never regretted the final product.  He said he also worked on another popular track, Selina with Mmereki.

Mmereki had also roped in Mosele to help him on his own projects.  Mosele features on Mmereki's debut album, Ga Ke Robale.  It was Mosele who was playing the guitar. 

Mmereki considers Mosele to be a good artist.  'He has rubbed shoulders with the likes of Hugh Masekela and other international stars.  He has learnt much from those international artists,' he said.

Mmereki said they want to penetrate the South African market with Mmereki.  The two musicians are planning to undertake a tour of the neighbouring country.

He said they have heard that Ntsa E Jele Ntsanyana was a popular song in some of the South African nightclubs.Mmereki said Mosele would assist him in his forthcoming album. Mosele has been based in Europe since he left with Kalahari band and Masekela in the 80s.  After the group disbanded in Europe, he fended for himself and even acquired music training.

Mosele said when he is in the country, he would be working on a new album.  The album will be released towards the end of the year.  He said his 2008 album, Nowadays was a tremendous success. 

As for Mmereki, he has been keeping the home fires burning.  Mmereki who had joined the Botswana Defence Force (BDF) has retired from the army to embark on a solo career.  During his time with the BDF, he was a pillar of strength for the BDF groups.

Since retiring from BDF, he has released his own album.