The Lesokwanes take rhumba music scene by storm

CHIPPA LEGODIMO
Correspondent | Thursday October 25, 2007 00:00

Franco was later joined by cousin Fresh Lesokwane, though as a competitor. But he would not be the last from the Lesokwane family in Gabane to venture into  rumba  music.

As he worked on his seventh album, Franco decided to rope in his nephew Innocent 'Bokhina' Lesokwane. And if first impressions are anything to go by, then the youngster  is also on the way to the top. His uncle has already tipped him to become a star and even surpass his own (Franco) success. Bokhina stole the limelight from his uncle during the launch of Sepekere, Franco's latest  project. The fans, who thronged Chez Ntemba  for the launch, seemed to enjoy it most every time the youngster took his mike. They even suggested a competition pitting uncle against nephew and the older Lesokwane  was voted out. He has good voice, but above all his big smile makes him a favourite with the fans, especially women.

'Bokhina is passionate about music, he is a reserved person but once he starts singing, it is a different story all together because suddenly he becomes energetic. I believe he has a long way to go,' Franco said of the 21-year -old.

The young man had this to say about his music ambitions: 'It all started at school, I think I was doing my Form Two when we started singing and dancing especially after school. But I quickly realised that I was more comfortable with rumba than anything  else. I could not do much until recently when uncle Franco called me to join his band ,' Bokhina said.

Bokhina forms part of Afro Musica, Franco's backing band, but he should be going solo in a few years' time, according to  Franco.

'I do not want to rush him because this industry can be rough and you need to be prepared before you cut your teeth. He has to learn a lot of things, both on and off the stage. The fans love his style and is always cheered on when we perform but it does not end there, I will give him his break when I feel he is ready for such a challenge,' he said.

Franco himself had a gradual but steady rise to the top, having played with the pioneer of rumba music in Botswana Alfred Mosimanegape before going solo. He also had a short stint with Nata Capricon.

'Talent alone is not enough to see him to the top, you need to work with experienced people  and gain that experience yourself  before you can go solo,' he said.

The young Lesokwane says he is enjoying every moment of it and is not in a hurry to see himself on the CD covers. 'Just to be working with such a big star like Franco should make someone feel important.

I know the crowds who cheer me at festivals had not necessarily come to see me because some do not even know that I am the one who sings in those songs,' he said.