In an interview with Arts&Culture, Tajbhabi explained that after being enrolled at a university in South Africa, where he was pursuing his degree, he never imagined music would win his heart. The young man found so much solace in composing his own music. However, he said he had no expectations behind the craft but only found success in the industry after networking and crafting his art. “I am now an internationally renowned record producer and composer. My music is streamed in over 160 countries. I have had the pleasure of producing for Nasty C, working with Anatii, Zakes Bantwini, DJ Tira, Xolani from Freshly Ground and even getting an opportunity to submit beats for Justin Bieber to write on. My music has been openly supported by the likes of Black Coffee, Shimza, Da Capo and Keinemusik playing my records around the world and even caught the ear of Drakes label OVO.
These opportunities are incredible but have immense pressure to deliver as a producer. Working on my mental, physical and spiritual health has been my priority this year,” he proudly said. Tajbhabi’s last release was titled, Overcome, and was a collaboration between the singer, NaakMusiq, and hit producers Kususa. He said it was released on one of the world’s biggest record labels in England called Defected Records. He added that the song caught international traction when Shimza began his performance in London with the song last year. Prior to that song, he said in June, a special record titled, Soul of my Soul, was released as a fundraiser for the ongoing genocide in Palestine. He said the song was made to create awareness about the 76-year-old apartheid government of Israel and their long-standing torture of the people of Palestine. “All money generated from the songs streaming and purchases was donated to what’s left of Palestine through the NGO “Gift Of The Givers”.
The song was commended by the founder of the NGO, Dr Suliman with a personal letter of recognition sent to us. Black Coffee even added the song to his personal track ID playlist on Spotify and the song was streamed by thousands globally. I have released my 10th international release this year,” he said. “Amongst the 10 is an official remix of Vuli Ndlela by Brenda Fassie that I had the pleasure of reworking for universal music, a two-track EP made in honour of women titled, Abafazi, a three-track EP released on an Italian record label last year. I even had the pleasure of remixing Mango Groove’s Famous record Hometalk through Gallo Records. I look to create meaning with my music and inspire people around me to stand up for the truth with their art. I have always set out to be amongst the finest artists the world has seen and I will fly Botswana’s flag on the biggest platforms globally,” he said. Furthermore, Tajbhabi pointed out that he worked with Grammy award winning artists and have kept to their standard in studio and in creativity, leaving him no doubt that he will create a legendary legacy on his journey. Speaking about the local music industry, he said it was full of amazing talent.
He explained that they needed to take themselves more seriously through their craft and create world-class stages within Botswana. However, he said their biggest challenge are promoters and event managers in Botswana who do not give local artists the respect they deserve or the fees they deserve. He added that he found out that courtesy was only reserved for South African headliners flown in to perform on local stages. Tajbhabi pointed out that kind of behaviour from event curators was discouraging for Batswana acts and needs to stop. He said if local talent could be nurtured and appreciated within the country, it could establish a sustainable industry for creatives. He also pointed out that there were local people like Tefo Fox that created a cool platform called Beyond Us and was pushing to keep it going at a world-class level. He added that his Maru-a-Pula classmate Ban T was doing world-class work and is inspiring the youth of Batswana. He stated that Priscilla Khan, Team Distant, Shivers (BW), Sjavera and Benny T were creating music on international Labels and competing with the best out there. He said until sufficient energy and the government injected funding, he urged all Batswana to collaborate with international acts who like their music. “I am on my way to Europe next month to tour Amsterdam and Switzerland. I am booked at the international music event titled Amsterdam Dance Event,” he said.
