Ex-kwasa kwasa queen plans dramatic comeback
LEKOPANYE MOOKETSI
Correspondent
| Wednesday August 6, 2008 00:00
This week, she put up an advertisement in the newspapers, looking for backing artists.
During her hey-day, Ntebang was renowned for her gyrating style when featuring in local kwasa kwasa groups. She could dance suggestively, which is something associated with this type of music.
Who can forget the Club Bodiba days when she used to keep most patrons on their feet as she danced the night away? Ntebang was one of the artists who made kwasa kwasa be popular in the country in the early 90s. Within a short time, kwasa kwasa became the in-thing in Botswana, prompting many aspiring musicians like Franco to jump on the bandwagon.
Even though they were the pioneers of this style in the country, now things have not been working well for the former queen.
Ntebang, who resides in Gaborone West Phase One, has not been performing for almost five years because she does not have instruments and a backing band. 'I need instruments, I want to record. I have acquired some instruments, but they are not enough. I have already advertised for musicians,' she said.
'But my only need is for instruments. I need money for the instruments. I do not know where I could appeal. I desperately need at least P30,000,' she said.
Ntebang said she even approached the Citizen Entrepreneurial Development Agency (CEDA) for a loan, but she was told that her project was not viable.
She intends to go back to the stage by August. When she was a solo artist, Ntebang released two albums, Kutlwano and I love you Botswana. 'I am just working on another album. If I had funds, I could go to the studio next month,' she said.
Ntebang who is now a grand mother, said there is no how she could leave music since it is the only talent that she has. Music, she said, is also her passion that she can not live without. In fact, she said, her life has always been dependent on music. Since she stopped playing, she has been facing a hard time.
Ntebang, who originates from Mahalapye, said she is the breadwinner of an extended family and things have been pretty tough for her. She is appealing to Good Samaritans who could assist her to acquire music instruments.
Ntebang recalled that she has always loved the rhumba beat since her young days. Rhumba was one of the most popular music at village parties where traditional beer was sold. Ntebang had followed the music since those days. She also aspired to become an artist.
Ntebang started to play music in 1989 with the late Lawi Somana who introduced the kwasa kwasa genre in the country. They performed regularly at the Gaborone Sun.
After Somana died, she performed with other artists like Alfred Mosimanegape and Nata Capricorn. When she was performing with Alfredo, they became a regular feature at Bodiba Country Club, which is now named Chez Ntemba.
Ntebang later teamed up with Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) artist, Kanda Bongoman who was then touring the country. They went on tour of countries like Malawi, Namibia, South Africa and France. Ntebang said she drew a large following in the countries that they toured. Ntebang managed to make a small fortune during the trips. She said she also learnt a lot about music. Ntebang is also fluent in one of the Congolese languages, Lingala. She could also sing in that language.
When she came back, she managed to build a house at her home village in Mahalapye. She also released her two albums. But her last performance was at Charleshill. But since then things have become difficult for the musician.
But Ntebang is determined to make a dramatic comeback. She feels she has what it takes, adding that she can still appeal to international audiences as well.
She is also not concerned about competition from the younger musicians in Botswana.
Ntebang is not just idling at home she is compiling songs for her next album.