Matsieng Teams Up With Maun Magnate

LEKOPANYE MOOKETSI
Correspondent | Monday September 6, 2010 00:00

 

 Tangane confirmed that he is going to run the group and sponsor it'We have just started a relationship to venture into business with the group.  I am going to promote their music and sponsor them,' Tangane said in an interview. Tangane is running a popular Maun pub, Akron Tangler, which used to be known as Barney's Bar.  He is also involved in the construction business. 

He said he has just started working with Matsieng and is hoping that they are going to have a long-term relationship.  'I am looking forward to a good relationship and I hope we will make it,' he said.

He said he is going to help the group in terms of transport and other logistics.  He is also going to cover their financial needs.

Tangane said he is going to help the Gabane-based group to record their next album. 

Tangane's first meeting with Matsieng was just  coincidental.  He was impressed by the troupe when they staged a charity show in Maun. 

Tangane admitted that he is new in showbiz.  Actually this will be his first time to run a music group.  But he is determined to face all the challenges. 

But he said his pub in Maun is providing entertainment in the form of music.  He said they have staged shows since they opened last year.  'I have met a lot of artists and DJs.  This is how I became involved with music.  But now I want to learn more about the industry.  Fortunately I am starting with an established group,' he said.

He said in as much as he would be assisting Matsieng, but they will also be guiding him because they have been in business for a long time.

Tangane is already planning ahead.   Part of his plans include the group undertaking a countrywide tour.  Part of the proceeds from the shows will be donated to charity organisations.  Tangane said they intend to raise funds for the Thuso Rehabiliation Centre in Maun.  

A member of Matsieng, Maeras Selabe, said they are happy about their new marriage with the Maun tycoon.  He said Tangane looked after them when they were performing in Maun.  He said this is why they approached him to join forces with the group.  Just like Tangane, he said, they are looking forward to have a fruitful relationship. 

Selabe said they are working on a new album.  'The album has already been recorded.  It is just waiting to be released,' he said.  The forthcoming album will be entitled Banna Ba Morero.

Selabe said they have been facing some challenges as a group.

He said they left the Eric Ramco Records because they were not happy about the way they were treated.   He said they were not free when they were under the Eric Ramco stable.  He added that they were also not happy with their remuneration.  'We were not paid royalties for Setswana Sa Borre album CD and DVD,' he claimed.

   'We were not even allowed to join the Botswana Musicians' Union (BOMU) or work with other artists.  We felt we should go our own way because we were not benefiting,'he said.

Selabe said they have since teamed up with their former member Ditiro 'DT' Leero who had left the group when it was under Eric Ramco stable. 

Matsieng exploded into the music industry following the release of their album, Semakaleng, which featured hit tracks like Semakaleng, Thulamela and Segametsi. 

But it was their next album, Setswana Sa Borre that shot them to the top of the charts.  The album featured the hit track Tinto. 

But for quite sometime, not much was seen or heard about the group. 

However, it seems they are raring to make a come back. 

Meanwhile, when contacted, Eric Ramco Records boss, Eric Ramogobye, said he was in South Africa.  He requested to be called on Saturday when he is in Botswana.  However, his cellphone was off the following day.