Mmegi

Kabo Leburu returns with Kidi-kaba

Kabo Leburu returns with new music
Kabo Leburu returns with new music

Jazz guitarist, Kabo Leburu, has re-emerged on the music scene with a brand-new single titled, Kidi-kaba, after a brief hiatus. Known for his unique sound and ability to merge cultural narratives with contemporary jazz, Leburu’s return has sparked interest among jazz enthusiasts.

The title, Kidi-kaba, which translates to “a big chunk of meat,” is steeped in cultural significance, drawing inspiration from traditional gatherings. Explaining the concept behind the song, Leburu shared that: “In the society where I grew up and live, meat brings people together, and in every gathering, meat takes centre stage as it is liked by many people. When one goes without having had a good share of the serving of meat, it results in displeasure.” Produced at The Village Studios, Kidi-kaba showcases an array of talent. Charles Motsemme produced the single with assistance from Leroy Nyoni, while Swedish producers, Mikael Rosen, and Alejandro Vega also contributed.

The song’s instrumentation was brought to life by Dingalo Mpolaise on percussion, Lereko Lesole on bass guitar, and Tabona Maseko on electric guitar. An intriguing aspect of Kidi-kaba is Leburu’s use of panpipes in place of traditional keyboards and acoustic drums. His fascination with the panpipes began in 1992, during a junior secondary school design and technology exhibition, where he purchased the instrument. Although his interest in the panpipes faded over the years, his mother encouraged him to revisit the instrument for this project. “She reminded me of how much I used to enjoy playing it and thought it would add something special to the song,” Leburu said. The single also features contributions from an international panpipes artist from Chile, South America. This collaboration highlights Leburu’s willingness to merge global influences with local traditions, a theme he plans to expand upon in his upcoming album.

Editor's Comment
Depression is real; let's take care of our mental health

It is not uncommon in this part of the world for parents to actually punish their children when they show signs of depression associating it with issues of indiscipline, and as a result, the poor child will be lashed or given some kind of punishment. We have had many suicide cases in the country and sadly some of the cases included children and young adults. We need to start looking into issues of mental health with the seriousness it...

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