Young drummer determined to live his dream

MPHO TLALE
Staff Writer | Wednesday July 25, 2012 00:00

 

At the young age of 18, Wynton Senwelo  has made a mark in the music industry and has already performed with some local jazz heavyweights like Shanti Lo, Citie Seetso, Kearoma, Punah and Nnunu.

Although he tries to live a normal and relaxed life, Senwelo says that he is working on creating a balance between his school work and weekend gigs. He recognises that school needs his attention and he is also aware of the fact that in order for him to perform well at gigs, he must rehearse. The drummer, who hails from Mochudi, says striking this balance this year has been especially challenging because he is in his final year of high school at Livingstone Kolobeng College.

Senwelo has performed at music festivals both in Botswana and  outside the country.  In February last year, he played with Citie Seetso at the Cape Town International Jazz Festival in South Africa. In May last year, he performed with Shanti Lo at the Swaziland Bushfire Festival. Both Festivals attract many people from  southern Africa and beyond. Still last year, in addition to performances at the Festivals, Senwelo played with The Metrophones in October  at Lira's show which was held at Botswanacraft and several other corporate functions. All this experience has given him the confidence to dream big: 'I would like to work with Lira because I highly regard her music.'

Senwelo  goes on to say  that he is still to do more and describes his achievements in music thus far as part of a 'mini career' that is still to blossom  with time.  'I am  looking forward to putting the country's name on the map so that people realise that there is a lot of talent in Botswana,' he said.

The young drummer  attributes his success to the people who helped to shape his musical talent. Though he has not had formal training in music,  Senwelo is pleased to name the men who he says shaped him into the skilled drummer he is today. First on his list is   Seetso Ntsuke who he says opened doors for him and introduced him to the right people like Moscow Modise,  a bass player  for the Botswana Defence Force band. When he was in Form 1 in Francistown, Modise taught him how to build up his skill and also  taught him how to read music.

In Gaborone, Senwelo  met Phillip Mhlanga,  a drummer in the BDF band who took him under his wing. From Mhlanga,  he learnt a lot about jazz and  other music  genres; something that  helped him become a more versatile drummer.

Senwelo's big break came in 2010 at a music workshop hosted by Tsepo Tshola at Sir Seretse Khama Barracks (SSKB).  'This is where I started playing professionally after I played a drum solo and made an impression . After the workshop,  a  few of us were chosen and had the opportunity  to play on stage with Tshola. There was no turning back from there as great opportunities have continued to come my way,' he said.

Right now, the young man is busy rehearsing with Jam in Christ  and will  leave to perform  with the band in Sweden in three weeks.

Senwelo's advice to other youth who wish to pursue a dream is:  ' If you have a love for something, just follow your heart.' He is quick to add to this sound advice: 'It will not be a smooth ride because there are always challenges to face. In the end, however, determination will bring forth success.'