Zeus' Channel O nomination inspires local musicians

THATO KALA
Correspondent | Thursday October 7, 2010 00:00

 

The refined muso is once again the only Motswana artist in the running for the prestigious awards. Zeus will battle it out with five other nominees from around the continent in the Best Hip-hop Video category.

For his fellow local musicians, his nomination is just but a sign that they have what it takes to make waves on the global front. Award-winning Afro-pop star Eugene Jackson is convinced local artistes are on par with their South African counterparts. 'We are up there with everybody else, but the only problem is lack of exposure. We are overshadowed by artistes from outside, but the truth is Botswana has talent,' Jackson said.  'We wish him the best of luck. Personally, I would be happy if he wins (the award),' he added.

Zeus' video for the song Gijima will come against Hip-hop Pantsula's All I Need video, Okyeame Kwame's Woso video, Jay Ru's Big Boi Anthem video, Pro's Uthini Ngo Pro, and Black Rhino's Black Chata video. The awards will take place on November 4 at the Sandton Convention Centre, Johannesburg.

Botswana-bred Hip-hop star Edward Obita, also a nominee for two awards, believes Zeus is putting Botswana on the map. 'I've only met Zeus a few times but I'm happy for him and I hope he achieves more in what he sets out to do. It's not easy being a cross-border artiste and a cross border success so he's done well for himself and his country,' Obita said. His hit single titled Everybody Dance, which features multiple award-winner Loyiso Bala, earned him two Channel O Video Award nominations. Obita is in the running for the Most Gifted East Video and Most Gifted Duo's

A local musician, who features on Obita's next single, Tshepiso Galesupelwe, is motivated by Zeus' success. 'He's one of my own and if he can get there that means I can also get there. I'm definitely behind him. It's nice to see doors are opening for us local musicians,' Galesupelwe said.  Galesupelwe, who is about to drop a debut album, challenged the corporate sector to invest into music, as Botswana's music talent is making waves on the international scene.