New kwaito kid on the block

GASEBALWE SERETSE
Staff Writer | Thursday August 9, 2007 00:00

Although the artist says he no longer stays in the kasi, it is clear that he still has fond memories of the place. The song, like most of his compositions, is laced with Tsotsitaal, which he calls Kasi lingo and it is a good song that deserves its status as the title track.
Tracks two and three, Ha Monate and Squbu are feel-good songs about girls, partying, boozing, and grooving.

In 'Squbu', Sesame, a female vocalist, adds magic to the song with her captivating voice.
Sheba is one of the songs to look out for in this album. The song features Bakkie and Peter who have got powerful voices.

The song Afrika encourages African people to rise up and celebrate because Jesus Christ has come to redeem the continent. Afrika has a touch of gospel in it and it is mostly, sung in IsiZulu.

'Se o Seratang and My Life follow and the latter, which features Chantty, is the stronger of the two. The artist tells off people who like meddling in other people's affairs by declaring, 'Ke a itshelela (only God can judge me) eseng wena.'

Chisa is the song that the artist uses to heap praise upon himself. In the track he declares that he is hot and a force to be reckoned with. The song is a mixture of kwaito and disco and it will definitely be a favourite among kasi-dwellers.

Zumza is yet another feel-good song about chicks, booze, DJs and dancing until sunrise.
Track 10 is the remix of Afrika.

Although this is a kwaito album, producer Gavin Bantom did a great job blending a bit of jazz and disco into the music. Unlike most kwaito albums, Letso's songs are laidback in a danceable way. One would be tempted to believe that the young man has introduced a new kind of music altogether. The arrangement of instruments is quite impressive.

Letso, who is currently mentored by kwaito heavyweights Mapetla and Skazzo, will have a staying power if he remains focused. His music is in its own league and all he needs to do is to develop it to achieve greater things.

Om Taka 7, which was recorded at Live Wire Studios, was engineered and mixed by Gavin Bantom, Chantty Moikai, and mastered by Colin and Arthur of Clock Worx. The sleeve was done by Thakammata while Live Wire Recording Studio, All Kasi, Thakammata and BM Records, among others, supported the project.