Gong Master introduces Tswana pop

Mponang Ketshabile, popularly known as Gong Master, has been around for some time now, first emerging as that rouge vocalist who sliced through music lovers' imagination in Shirly Mokoka's debut album.

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.

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