New gospel group to fight poverty

MAUREEN ODUBENG
Staff Writer | Tuesday February 12, 2008 00:00

One such group is the newly formed gospel ensemble, Bajaki Gospel Group, whose members hope to make a difference, by helping disadvantaged members of society. As demonstrated in songs from their newly released album Re A O Leboga, the group praises the Lord and at the same time shows concern for the needy.

Formed in 2005, the group from Oodi comprises eight singers, all of them members of the Zion Christian Church (ZCC). While the group is bent on doing all they can to help the poor, all its members are unemployed, which is one of the major reasons it was formed. Group members - Setshege Masisi, Akanyang Rampiping, Bogosi Koboyankwe, Daisy Sekgele, Lenna Makgwenye, Karabo Masisi, Diphetogo Koboyankwe, and Keatlaretse Koboyankwe - have no illusions and admit that Botswana, despite its international ratings, is still a poor country, hence their determination to use music as a tool in the fight against poverty. In their album they have a song titled Rea O Leboga. While not politically inclined, this song thanks God for blessing the nation with citizens, such as businessman Robert Masitara, who have made quite a mark in helping needy families.

'Our love and respect for Masitara comes from his determination to help the poor, particularly women who have children born with disabilities that can only be corrected through surgery. Some of these women sit there with their children not knowing what to do because of lack of money. Masitara, out of the goodness of his heart, has helped quite a number of families by providing the necessary financial help for surgery,' explained band leader Setshege Masisi.

Masisi also wrote the lyrics for the group save for two songs, which they borrowed from the ZCC hymnbook, but re-mixed them. She explained that when writing her lyrics her concerns are social ills afflicting the nation, including diseases like HIV/AIDS, passion killings, rape and murder.

The group's dreams of helping the needy might not be realised because its members themselves are struggling to raise funds for the release of their album.

Their debut album, which was recorded at On & Joy Recording Studio in Mochudi, has been finalised and cut, but the group does not have enough funds to design the CD cover.

Other songs in the album, include Lesang Bana; Emisa Ntate; Batla Kaila; Kathlahlatela; Phomolo, Tlo Moya; Boa Ngwanaeso; O Nthusitse; and Chaba Sa Hao.