Ex-GSS student makes waves in SA

THATO KALA
Correspondent | Thursday September 23, 2010 00:00

His hit single titled Everybody Dance, which features multiple award-winner Loyiso Bala, recently earned him two Channel O Video Award nominations. Obita is in the running for the Most Gifted East Video and Most Gifted Duo's accolades to be announced on November 4 at the Sandton Convention Centre, Johannesburg. Obita, born in Zambia and bred in Gaborone, said the nominations were heartening. 'I'm so ecstatic, but at the end of the day may the best man win,' he said.  He first tasted musical success after performing with Loyiso on his lead single I want you, which won Best RnB album. He also featured on track 16 on HHPs Acceptance Speech album, which won Best Rap album award at the SAMAs. 'It was amazing to contribute to an award-winning production. It gives you a lot of self-belief and confidence.'

Obita effortlessly rocked the 46664 Mandela Initiative Concert in 2007 and was subsequently invited to perform in the United Kingdom (UK) the following year. The devout Christian attests has rubbed shoulders with five-time Grammy award winner Quincy Jones while in England, met American actor and comedian Chris Tucker, American producer Forest Witteker and Scottish musician Ani Lenox. 'I have opened for Akon, Fat Joe, and Wyclef Jean. I also worked with Jamali on a song titled ghetto love,' he said.

Having grown up in Gaborone, where his dad was a teacher at GSS, the Ugandan national admires the initiative of local artistes to develop the music industry.  He, however, rules out returning to settle in the country. He visits from time to time and was in the country three weeks ago. Presently, he is about to put out his first single for his forthcoming album called 'The good life'. He features Howza, who acted in popular soapie Generations as Adam and a Motswana artiste, Tshepiso. Obita featured in Joyous Celebration 14 in the track Jesus the son of God. As his stock continues to rise in the SA music circuit, he points to God as the one ordering his steps to success.

'Without Him (God) I can't, without us he won't. I'm a gospel artist and that is all I want to be in music.' The dedicated artiste put his mission in plain words. 'My gospel is much more aggressive than the average but extremely honest. I believe that if a man is given a gift in a continent like ours, then it is done so that God can impact a continent through that man. That man is me.'