Ntsoro: the multi-faceted entertainer

Kgomotso Molelekeng
Correspondent | Wednesday January 30, 2013 00:00

 

An hour spent with Joel Rebaone Keitumele, well-known as 'Ntsoro' reveals that he is a laid back 30-something-year-old who enjoys spending time with his family and ministering the Word of God.His claim to fame dates back in 2000 when he released a gospel album titled I Live To Worship Jehova, which went on to do fairly well in the market. Keitumele who was raised in a Christian home was introduced to music at the tender age of 10 years old when he was still in primary school. By the age 13 the young man had already mastered playing the keyboard to an extent that he would receive invitations from schools to perform his musical acts.  'I was a very hyperactive child and some called me a jack of all trades.  I was in a traditional dancing troupe, part of a drama group, in the school choir and I also played football.  I was a popular and sociable child,' he explains.

After scooping the best actor award in senior secondary school Keitumele realised that entertaining people was his true calling. His love for acting was fuelled by South African actor Sello Maake ka Ncube who played the role of Archie Moroka in the well-known South African soapy, Generations.'I admired the way that he connected with the viewers and would have people eating out of his hand. I could see more of myself in him,' he says. In 2003 he plucked up the courage to audition for a gospel television  presenting job after seeing an advert. 'I remember seeing some familiar faces, some of who were seasoned presenters but I did not let that deter or intimidate me as I am passionate about gospel music,' he reminisces. His gospel background and his being a devoted Christian must have worked to Keitumele's advantage because he managed to win over the judges and after a few days, he was selected as the  new presenter for Melodi Ya Kgalaletso.

'I knew the job was mine when during the interview I had to help other hopefuls with information about the gospel. I knew most of the gospel artists and the challenges we face. Knowing the Word of God was the cherry on top as I knew what I was talking about,' he says proudly. Even though Keitumele did his job well, the loud hyperactive young man was often told to 'tone down'. 'I had a lot of energy when I was presenting but because this was a gospel show, I had to limit myself, especially as I am naturally loud,' he says.  Many people do not know that Keitumele was also once crown Mr University of Botswana (UB) IN 2003/04 when he was studying for his diploma in social work, and later degree in adult communication. In 2004, he released another gospel album entitled 'Satane tshaba' which like the first album received a warm welcome.

In 2007 when Miso Mmereki (Mega-V) left the local talent show Mokaragana,  his director advised him to use the massive energy he always has, to audition for the vacant presenting job. At the auditions, Keitumele again saw some of the big names in the industry who were also there to try their luck but this time he was confidence as he had presenting experience. He was then chosen as the new presenter of Mokaragana. Filling in the big shoes of Mega-V was challenging but he took it in his stride.

' I wanted to be perfect at the job and not seem as if I am imitating Mega-V. I asked her to coach me for a week whereby I would present for her and she would help me be original. This helped me be myself.'These 'be-you' basics helped the young man as within a month Keitumele's presenting skills already captured the viewers' interest and endeared himself to many. 'I even coined the name Ntsoro as I used to tell jokes about Ntsoro and a lot of people loved them,' he proudly says.Keitumele presented Mokaragana for five years until he decided that he wanted to do a mature programme.  At the same time he released his third album called Roma Nna. He also released on digital versatile device (DVD) his dramas called Ntsoro Le Toki and O Bone O Ja Sereto which have been doing extremely well, received rave reviews and are now playing on South Africa's Mzanzi Magic.His happiest moments on TV were during his days presenting Mokaragana.

On one occasion, a loyal fan gave him a portrait of him (Ntsoro). 'I still have the portrait and I treasure it,' he says. Ntsoro is a family man who is blessed with two children and a supportive beautiful wife.As if its not enough, Keitumele often holds the reigns as master of ceremony at several functions. Those who love and miss seeing him on the small screen should rest assured that the young man is set to return to their TV screens in the soon-to-be aired drama series Mareledi where he will showcase his impeccable acting skills.