SA based Dondie releases Jehova Kealeboga album
Nnasaretha Kgamanyane | Sunday August 25, 2024 06:00
Molapisi works as a medical doctor in Johannesburg. He first came into the music scene with a single in 2022, followed by another in 2023 and the third one in March 2024. His debut album, Jehova Kealeboga, was released in June 2024. In an interview with Arts&Culture, he said Jehova Kealeboga is a 10-track gospel album with one Afro-pop Kalanga wedding track. He added that the album was produced at Great Beats Studios in Johannesburg, South Africa “The title of the album is not from any song in the album. It is a summation of what the album is all about. It’s a thanksgiving to God for all His endless mercies and grace throughout my days of life.
I have not collaborated with anyone on the album but I am looking forward to collaborations with local and international artists in the not-so-distant future as I get established in the music industry. What makes this project special is that unlike with all my previous releases, which were singles, I did it outside Botswana and had seasoned South African backing vocalists doing backing vocals for me,” he said. Furthermore, he pointed out that its production was a learning and professional growth for him as an artist. He added that despite not having recorded many songs in the past, he has grown significantly, especially in terms of music composition, arrangement and vocal skill.
He said he was looking to explore different sounds and styles and start performing in various stages. Despite dropping this album, Molapisi says his biggest challenge was finding a good studio, with a skilled producer who understands his style of singing and blends well with him. Additionally, he emphasised that selling music physically was quite challenging since most people now preferred their music on their phones unlike in the past when CD players were common. He added that it is quite difficult to penetrate and get established in the music industry saying one has to fight their way in and to the top before they could be appreciated and included. “The Gospel music industry of Botswana has remained very small for so long and there are limited gigs and engagement of gospel artists for events is quite limited. My biggest achievement has been able to record independently and have my music on all online streaming platforms. I believe that is a success on its own and is a great foundation for future projects,” he ended.