Nnunu launches debut jazz album

Kgomotso Molelekeng
Correspondent | Monday September 17, 2012 00:00

 

Her  album, 'Mmasonoko', is already creating waves and receiving rave reviews.  The night, which attracted the crme-de-la-cream of the city, not forgetting other local jazz artistes and loyal fans, was indeed electrifying.

Nnunu has become synonymous with soulful music. She has come of age an her soothing lyrics celebrate culture and appeals to different listeners, irrespective of age and creed. The curtain raiser for the show wwas South Africa's most loved and respected artist, who is also a lecturer at University of South Africa (UNISA) Steve Kekana.

The legendary Kekana  kickstarted the show with an amazing song called 'Jo ke metlholo', a song about counting one's blessings. He told Showtime that he has a lot to be grateful for, considering that he is a well-known artist, revered in the musical scene, and being blind has not hampered his success. He continued that he feels blessed to  be a lecturer at one of SA's biggest educational institutions. The gregarious man gave an outstanding performance, blessing the audience with his magical voice. He belted out other popular songs that the audience loved, including the famous hit 'Take your love and keep it'.

'As the Setswana saying goes, Mabogo dinku a thebana - I am here to offer her support and my advice to her is that she should not let fame spoil her dreams; she should reach her goals with a passion,' said the law lecturer.

What followed next was a touching but inspiring video clip of Nnunu' s childhood days, which showed her  musical background from a tender age. It became clear that from the onset, Ramogotsi, who was raised in the Roman Catholic Church in Lobatse, always wanted to succeed in everything she did. Although she started out as a backing vocalist, she was intent on making her mark and with perseverance,  she has never looked back since. 

In an interview before her stage performance, the lady of the night Nnunu,  told Showtime that this album tells a story of life itself; what used to happen when she was growing up, the lifestyle then, and the culture. 'I am grateful for all the support I have received from my fans and family. It's been a phenomenal journey and this album is my gift to them, because even though I might look young and glamorous, I am a village girl at heart,' she said.

Making a stylish grand entrance, lifted and supported by two burly men with bulging muscles, Nnunu had the audience excited and eager to see what she had in store form them. She did not disappoint, as she delivered all eight songs in  the whole album. Hers was a show-stopping performance that will surely be remembered for a long time. Towards the end of the show, her friends, also fellow jazz musicians, Shanti lo, Kearoma Rantao and Punah Gabasiane sang her a birthday song, with the help of the audience, making the evening extra special for the birthday girl.