Ditshimega aims for the sky

AKEEM HASAAN
Correspondent | Thursday November 1, 2007 00:00

 

Survivors then enjoy enormous airplay on local radio stations and pull crowds at their festivals. One such group that has stood the test of time is Ditshimega of the ko Mokwena song fame. Group leader and lead singer Arnold Sekgee takes pride in their success so far. 'We are one of the best groups in the country. Our song Mokwena has played on radio stations more times than I can count. This has resulted in about 7,000 copies being sold, ' said an elated Sekgee.

Sekgee attributes their success to having some of the best dancers-cum singers who 'undo' themselves every time they perform and on their best arranged and composed debut album, Ko Mokwena. He explains that the title track is dedicated to Kweneng people. This song appreciates some uncelebrated Kweneng villages, lands and settlements that have produced the best traditional dance (Phatisi) groups. Sekgee, who also learnt Phatisi dance from night vigil (Borankana) in some of these areas, is quick to note that Batswana, in general, are unfamiliar with places like Malwelwe, and Sojwe. The song is rich in Tswana figurative folk love lyrics and led by a strong baritone voice resembling an old man teaching the young. The averaged tempo speed of the song is coupled with a continuous hand clapping bass beat and rhythm regularly cut by double beat of other musical instruments. The song is suitable for Tlhako-paced dances of either Setapa or Phatisi.

Regarding what he thought is their best song, Sekgee would not say, as each song caters for its listeners hence people prefer them based on life situations. 'We took time to compose, arrange and mix these songs to give our best offering. The demand for our album is high and we have to cut more CDs and cassettes,' he said. He concluded by saying that the Ko Mokwena album deals with real life issues and whenever it is played people pay attention. The group also uses contemporary issues to explain cultural myths and to predict the future. The group comprises Sekgee and other vocalists and are experts in Tsutsube, Setapa and Phatis dances.

Another notable track is Ramatheka. It is a fast-paced beat song that has a strong bass line coupled with key boards. The song portrays the tribulations of a man whose relationships are destroyed by another man. He gives an account of how 'this man' cheated and took away five of his women and he cannot let him take the sixth one. The song is chorus-based and the lead singer, Sekgee, directs the vocalists to give him answers and also help him resolve the issue peacefully.

Mmabanyana, is a song that explains a relationship ended by parents not appreciative of it. It centres on parents of a woman not appreciating the fiance' of their child since he comes from a certain ward in Molepolole. Konyana spells out the hardships of an orphaned child adopted by uncles.

The dancer-cum lead singer Sekgee also informed Showbiz that greater things are yet to come. 'Our Dud will be in stores this month and second CD around December.

We want to give Batswana the best Christmas music,' said Sekgee. The Serowe-born lad first got involved with traditional dance from late 1980 and fully developed by Ditholwana traditional dance group when he joined them in 1996.