Stigger Sola, master of romantic folk music

MONKAGEDI GAOTLHOBOGWE
Staff Writer | Thursday July 18, 2013 00:00

 

He deviated from the tradition of playing one of his many revered hits and played something no one has ever heard before. It was a romantic story about how love and romance cut across social barriers.He chose to sing perfect love from the eyes of a poor man. The rendition proved to be a beauty in the eyes of hundreds of traditional music lovers who thronged the Btv auditorium to enjoy the night.The brand new Stiger sola composition is sure to remain one of the signature tunes of this year's Heritage Month performances which has over the years delighted music lovers with some memorable tunes such as Pidipidi by Solly Sebotso, Ke a gana, by Rasta Makaso of Letlhakeng.

Stigger sola is also famed for romantic folk classics such as Kachere, and Macapentara, the latter performed over 30 years ago, for Radio Botswana's Sunday morning folk music programme dipina le maboko, before the artist released it on tapes and CDs when he launched his recording career. It remains to be seen, however, how long it would take stigger Sola and his prospective producers to drop his newest composition in the market.Previous stars of this dikatara category have failed to capitalise on their popularity, with both Pidipidi by Solly Sebotso, and Ke a gana, by Rasta Makaso, still yet to be released on CD. Despite his heart-warming performance, Stigger was not the champion in his category, where he came second to a not so impressive Ramotswa man, Batladira Radipitse, who belted a song praising President Khama's government for supporting artistes through the Heritage month initiative.

Four times winner of this category Solly Sebotso of Pidipidi fame, came third this time around. It was the first time that Sebotso missed the first prize. Sebotso's stylish fingers on the guitar over the years seem to have influenced many players who are also seen playing the guitar stylishly like Sebotso.Mike Monang, from Lerala in Tswapong finished fourth ahead of legend Andres Bok. The fast ageing legend from Tsabong was helped to the stage with a walking stick, sat on a chair, and did what he knows best.

Perhaps the biggest disappointment must have been felt by Bere champion, Olebetse Motlamme, who has been doing relatively well over the years, with his highest point being in 2011 when he was crowned the champion.He appeared well prepared for the competition and even composed a song about the battle for the P10, 000 prize. He chose to do away with his trademark of traditional Bushman bangles and headband, going for a cowboy gear this time to match his colourful electric guitar.