This is one of the attributes that make Modise Mokete, a Tlokweng-based traditional guitarist, a music genius. The 39-year-old makes playing his four-string guitar look so simple, compressing the strings diligently to produce high pitched tones and releasing them to produce a deliberate cluttered sound which would suddenly disappear into space, thus leaving a melodious tune behind."In fact I only use two strings. The other four are just there. You need skill to be able to manoeuvre and produce different cords from the same string.
You just need to know how to strum back and forth," he says. Although he does not regard himself a poet, Mokete has been able to combine his guitar skills spiced up with some light-hearted lyrics and a little bit of poetry to create a good artistic impression.Although he is not as well-known as the likes of Solly Sebotso, there is no doubt about his talent and he has been a constant hit at various events held in his home village.He provided entertainment during the official opening of the Tlokweng Land Board offices and has also performed for dignitaries at the village Kgotla on numerous occasions.
