Gong Master introduces Tswana pop

CHIPPA LEGODIMO
Staff Writer | Tuesday June 4, 2013 00:00

Now the musician believes his Tswana pop album is set to be another hit. In particular Gong Master stamped his authority on the local music front with a scintillating performance on the track, Shiwele.The two's duet was simply superb in which they complimented each other like the intake and outlet valves.Around the same time he regularly featured for Mokorwana, one of the pioneering traditional dance groups to emerge from Botswana.Then he went to form Dikakapa with a group of friends most of whom were colleagues at the Botswana Defence Force (BDF).

The group was an instant hit with local fans most of whom were mesmerised by the muscular characters, who displayed some mucho dance moves on stage.As lead vocalist for Dikakapa, Gong Master's star shone brighter, as fans just found his use of rich Setswana language in music sexy and attractive.It seemed there would be no Dikakapa without the Ranaka born musician. But he ultimately left the group under a cloud of controversy and people started writing the group's obituary yet they managed to hold together even in his absence.His solo career looked destined for greater heights as he resurfaced as Tau ya Koma. His debut album Dumelang, was well received by music lovers. Once again it was his use of Setswana language that attracted many to his music, while his unique voice only provided a dressing on top of lyrically enchanting recording.Now the lanky musician, who regards himself an innovative artist, has stepped up the gear and is 'inventing' a new type of music called Tswana pop. His new album, Maggie, is clearly labelled on the cover Tswana pop, a demonstration of his pride in his Setswana tradition and language.

'Anyone who might want to follow that trend should know that originally this type of music is from Botswana by a musician by the name of Gong Master,' he said. Gong Master boasted about introducing Dikhwaere at BDF and how many people are following suit. Now he says Tswana pop is a mixture of borankana and dikhwaere, the two genres that he has always admired.'We need to be creative, as an artist you should be able to mix six songs from various genres and come up with an attractive track. You need to set new trends and inspire change,' he said. Although he continues to inspire a lot of youngsters with his talent, the musician says his ultimate goal is to groom youngsters into complete traditional musicians proud of their Setswana roots.'If you are proud of your origins it makes you attractive to other people. Nations who still adhere to their cultures have attracted a lot of attention from tourists and musicians who cling to their language and tradition in music continue to amass support throughout the world,' he said.

Although some upcoming traditional musicians seem to believe that the use of vulgar language attracts more fans, Gong Master argues that people should consider that their music would be accessible to even young children and as such could end up misleading instead of guiding. Although the new album has only received a lukewarm welcome Gong Master is optimistic that sooner than later fans will be lining up for its copies. The former BDF soldier, who is also a presenter at Duma FM, has also denied that his profile has gone down in the last two years saying those who have written him off would be made to eat humble pie.