While the emergence of trendy Amapiano has suffocated most genres, it seems the traditional dance group’s stock is going against the tide as it continues to get many bookings in SA.
According to the group’s lead singer, Kabelo Mogwe, they have continued to enjoy the market share since the release of their second album, Kulenyane in 2006. Kulenyane, as Kabelo Mogwe is also called, said SA feels like their second home as they consistently receive more bookings there.
Mogwe also said due to the numerous bookings they receive in SA, they have opened an office in Zeerust at Ngaka Modiri Molema district of North West Province. He shared that one of their biggest bookings of the year will be performing at the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) rally on May 25 at Polokwane, adding that they will also perform at Mpumalanga at Kwa Mhlanga on May 11. Asked why they have not relocated to South Africa, Mogwe responded by saying they could have done that a long time back but chose to remain in Botswana because it is where they feel comfortable.
Although the group was formed in 2005, it rose to stardom with its second album, Kulenyane, which was released in 2006. At the time the group was made up of Kabelo Mogwe, Magdeline Lesolebe (Charma Gal), Thembeni Ramosetlheng (Ramozara), Malaki Tapologo and Lydia Oile. Although the group was shaken up by the departure of some of its key members along the way, especially Charma Gal, Mogwe said their music has made them a household name in the region. He said they continue to get recognised in other Southern African countries such as Zimbabwe, Zambia, Namibia, Lesotho and Swaziland. “Kulenyane is the all-time favourite song in SA. We begin each performance with the song to mesmerise the audience,” he added The musician said they have collaborated with South African music group, Platform One, on an upcoming single, which will be released soon. He mentioned that their collaboration with the SA music group will increase their profile, expand their fan base in the country and advance their music careers.
He said locally they have collaborated with Seeretsi and the Natives and the Ubuntu band. Furthermore, Kulenyane stated that handling their traditional troupe as a business has kept them together despite some of the difficulties they had encountered along the way. He indicated that they report to work just like it's any white-collar job during weekdays to manage tasks related to scheduling, marketing, training, and planning in accordance with their assigned responsibilities. Additionally, he said the group has also joined the digital age as the dynamics of the music industry has changed in recent years.
“We now utilise digital music services or streaming services instead of depending on performances, bookings, or CD sales,” he continued, adding that they are able to make money from streaming platforms such as Spotify, iTunes, YouTube, Instagram through Reels.
