Master Dee back from UK, repels critics

SYDNEY BAITSILE
Correspondent | Tuesday October 30, 2007 00:00

Showbiz caught up with Master Dee in Gaborone over the weekend. He talked of 'how honoured' he was to have worked with Tshepo and Kabo in one of the most cosmopolitan cities in the world. Citing recent statistics by the Policy Studies Institute(PSI), one of Britain's leading independent research institutes, he said: 'London's music industry contributes over 1 billion a year to the UK economy; has an estimated 1,250 record companies, over 650 firms involved in artist management, 877 retail outlets, 189 recording and post-production studios, 76 distributors, 60 manufacturers of musical instruments and 40 manufacturing companies'.

With that background in mind, he said it was an excellent feeling that he had no words to describe. He stated that Kabo and Tshepo were easy to work with, adding that they were a cooperative and energetic duo. 'They have much talent and certainly been exposed to the international arena where they also have left a positive impression on those that worked with them,' he said . The long hours of recording never dampened their spirits.

The recording of the album was done at various locations in the UK, more specifically London and Oxford. The songs were written by Master Dee and produced by MDM Productions in association with the Kurios Group, Turan Audio Studios. The music is international pop music. Tshepo did five songs, Kabo five and they did a duet, making it a 10-track album. Reports have been circulating putting doubts on earlier claims by Master Dee that the album will be released by EMI.

The reggae star has indeed confirmed to Showbiz that it will not only be licensed, EMI, the giant record company will also market and distribute the album throughout the world. Asked what he felt of people who have been questioning his motives, Master Dee said: 'The doubting Thomases have been proven wrong. I honestly feel sorry for them. Semi-researched reports have been spread by those who do not believe that a fellow citizen could be so progressive.' He said the process of composing music and recording it for commercial purposes is not a one-day affair.

It takes a while to submit the finished product to big companies such as Sony BMG, EMI for the purpose of marketing and distribution licences. This seems to suggest that negotiations were still on during the competition period. Master Dee, however, had no doubt that things would work out for him. During the competition EMI SA executives visited Botswana for observations.

He feels that reports that cast doubt on him were misinforming the nation and showed lack of patriotism. 'the demeaning language that was used to the effect of Kabo's disability and Tshepo's weight shows me how some newspaper reporters can be biased and it also begs the question as to how much research they do in writing stories. Perhaps it is also time we scrutinize their qualifications in journalism'. The next show he said is the launching of the album.

'We are working closely with EMI, Mascom and other partners to launch the album by December. Should there be any developments, we will keep you and the nation posted. Subsequent to that we will then schedule a series of shows - once again, in collaboration with our partners', he said cheerfully. Registration for the next edition of Pop Star Botswana is scheduled for the 1st November 2007.