Speaking at the official launch of the EP on Thursday, Vee expressed his decision to collaborate with South African artists like DJ Tira, Makhadzi, DJ Maphorisa, Moonchild Sanelly, Dr. Malinga and more is in an effort to expand the international reach of local music and musicians.
Considering the limited market of local music, Vee Mampeezy said he has realised that the greatest way to give global exposure for local music is to work with a greater number of international artists.
The realisation of the concept was formed on the precedent of West African musicians such as Ghananians and Nigerians who often interchange music and have prominence between both of their sibling nations.
“South Africans and Batswana are one and the same people, and what we’re trying to do is break the border,” Vee Mampeezy stated.
“I’m big, yes, but I believe in Africa. I believe I can do more, when I work with the likes of Makhadzi it is a big thing, and I don’t take it for granted. She has 6.2 million followers on Facebook and we can’t take opportunities that people like her present to us for granted,” he said.
Vee Mampeezy also reiterated that while working with South African artists for greater exposure, he ensured that local producers such as Jazzman were given their spotlight as well to shine in their own capacity on each track.
He believes that local producers will benefit from these collaborations as much as he will.
Still at the launch, South African artist DJ Tira, said he will be hosting Vee Mampeezy for the Vodacom Durban July this year, along with other local artists to allow Botswana to show off its talent in South Africa.
“We’re already at the top, but we don’t want to leave our brothers in Botswana behind. We want to see that talent grow outside Botswana’s borders, we want to have a lasting and meaningful cultural exchange,” Tira said.
Features from the Ezzy Peezy EP will be performed at the Durban July to give South Africans a familiar taste of their local music, with a foreign twist from Botswana. The EP is currently available now for streaming on all major music platforms.
