Botswana music legend dies

MPHO TLALE
Staff Writer | Tuesday January 8, 2013 00:00

 

Kgosiemang said: 'As we speak, I am on my way to Molepolole and it is only when I come back that I will have further details concerning the passing on of Stampore.'A guitarist of repute, Stampore rose to fame in the 80's through  Radio Botswana's popular Sunday folk music  programme Dipina le Maboko. With his self taught and unique guitar skills Stampore managed to secure a place in the hearts of those who appreciate Folk music.Mentored by his elder brother and another popular guitarist, Kwata-e -shele, Stampore grew into a respected folk musician  who was equally effective on the vocals as he was with his guitar. He has been around since the early 80s maturing into a master of this trade. Stampore once conceded that he used to steal his brother's guitar and taught himself how to work the instrument until he mastered it.

Throughout his career, Stampore managed to show his perfected art of playing the guitar and even played around with different notes in one song. He managed to produce songs with his vocals and guitar which could be mistaken to be the works of an ensemble.Despite being in the music industry for over two decades, Stampore's first album  Saenele was only released in 1996 under Eric Ramco Records. It would take him another five years before he could dish out his second album called Re Batswana in 2011 under Small House Records. As he moved to modernise his music, the legendary Stampore joined forces with bass guitarist Solo B (Solomon Monyame) and drummer Tovonga; the band was called Stampore Trio. It's fist album was the self-titled album Stampore  Trio. Some of Stampore's popular songs include Teni,Re Batswana, Go Monate Go Tsamaya le Bomalome, Ke go Saenetse and the witty Ha Modimo o ka Nthusa Ka E Bona Ka Matho.