the monitor

Term Ntombo harmonises music beats

Godiraone Mateise, popularly known as Term Ntombo has emerged as hip hop rhythm fusion artist in Botswana.
Godiraone Mateise, popularly known as Term Ntombo has emerged as hip hop rhythm fusion artist in Botswana.

Godiraone Mateise, popularly known as Term Ntombo has emerged as hip hop rhythm fusion artist in Botswana.

In an interview with Mmegi Online, Term Ntombo traces his musical journey back to 2001, where the rhythmic cadence of high school rap battles and collaborative musical ventures first captured his passion. He says the crucible of high school became his creative playground, a realm where rap battles and collaborative melodies with friends set the stage. "The year 2008 witnessed a collective shift in my musical trajectory with the inception of Mobbstar Connexion, a group formed with two close companions, the release of Love 4 the Game, a radio-hit single, marked a pivotal milestone, setting the tone for our mixtape First Step to Elevation in 2013," said Term Ntombo Ntombo also says the temporary disbandment of Mobbstar Connexion in 2014 triggered by a member's move overseas for studies and financial constraints led Term Ntombo to a hiatus from the musical landscape. "The group separated in 2014 because one of us went overseas (UK) for school, also we didn't have enough finances for studio and marketing. That's the time I left music," Term Ntombo said.

However, Term Ntombo says the pandemic unfolded a serendipitous reunion with his producer, Obylardo. Term Ntombo says when Obylardo recognised his latent, he proposed a musical renaissance, and a pact was sealed. Term Ntombo says he once again found himself back in the rhythmic groove, crafting melodies that resonate with the resilient spirit of Botswana. "COVID-19 came and I was idle like everyone else and by God's grace I was around my producer Obylardo most of the times. He asked me to try music one more time and we had a deal, now we are here," Term Ntombo alluded. He says his musical palette draws inspiration from luminaries. "My inspiration comes from the likes of Zola, Tuks Senganga, Ndingo Jowa, Lizibo BW, and the immortal technique, lends my compositions a diverse and rich flavour. Paying homage to the old Kanye West and finding contemporary inspiration in Big Zulu and Nkabi Nation, I really commend their groundbreaking approach to music," Term Ntombo said.

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...

Have a Story? Send Us a tip
arrow up