Lifestyle

A Re Gopoleng sings for youth's troubles

One member of the group, Kagiso Magano said “Although our songs speak mostly to the youth of today, everybody can learn from the songs as they address issues that affect humanity like dangers of excessive alcohol intake leading to the HIV spread and road accidents.”

He explained that choosing gospel as a music career was driven by the fact that they wanted to show the world that gospel is not only music for elders as the youth can also sing it well.

“We want to show that we can also make a difference through our preaching of the word since we are God’s children.  We strongly believe that our lives must be controlled by love, for Jesus loved us whole-heartedly,” he said.  

The group consists of five Christian men who met in 2011. The members all attend the Zion Christian Church and although the group was formed years back, it was only this year that the public got to know about them.

“We wowed the crowd and judges with our very first performance at the President’s Day Competitions where we managed to get position one. It was surprising as they were our first competitions ever,” he said.

Their first album is out in stores and it is said to be doing very well in terms of sales. Magano mentioned that he is grateful that Batswana appreciate their music.

“It is not everyday people get to appreciate and be excited about an album, especially if it is an album made by new-kids-on-the-block. I must say the reception we have been getting on the album has been amazing as it is all positive,” he said. The album was cooked at The Street Melodies Studio at Gaborone West and the group has worked with numerous producers on its making. 

The producers include DJ Jive More, Tshepo Tespo Oakile, Samuel Kgopolelo and Daniel Olitile who is leader singer of The City Boy’s Choir. It has eight tracks including the album title, Dikgosi Di Kgethile. Along with the album title Seteng Sediba is another track that is currently receiving a lot of airplay.

Their album just got nominated for three awards including Best traditional gospel music album, Best group and Best newcomer. 

Although Magano said that they are confident that they will take the awards home, he mentioned being nominated does not only show how good they are, it also show that the country sees their hard work and appreciates it.

“We are very honoured to be nominated. Although we are up against great competition, I am pretty sure we will emerge victoriously,” he said.