27 May 2014

One of Botswana‘s promising traditional dance groups, Mokoupere, has released an album titled Nka bolela.

The eight-tracked album takes off with the title track, Nka bolela. The song talks about women who always claim sexual abuse in an effort to benefit financially from suspects.

Other songs include: Nnele game, Mmaboitshepo, Ga ke tshameke, Leboko la mothusa tautona, Tshwana bolela, Kgosi e kgolo and Lekonteraka. The album was recorded at Nex -Level studio in Sefhophe.

In an interview with the 30-year-old Gobojango born group leader and director, Boitumelo Lucas aka Mokoupere said the traditional movement outfit was started in 2004 and it comprises of eight members.

He noted that the group was known for playing different styles of Setswana music, which included borankana, setapa and tsutsube. As one of the traditional dance groups from Bobirwa , Mokoupere said the diverse and unique areas that he had stayed at influenced his culture and love for music.

He said in their first album, Tshutshu Ngwanyana Tshaba, the reception was marvelous as it managed to receive airplay in local radio stations and on Botswana Television.

Mokoupere said they recently earned themselves an invitation to perform in South Africa immediately after this winter.

He said as part of their marketing strategy, they have invaded the South African market and they will be doing most of their performances in South Africa as a way of taking their music internationally.

He said this came after they encompassed entertaining and celebratory songs in their first album, songs which touched on a wide range of social issues which were appealing to music fans.

Mokoupere said currently they are working on a project called Botswana Music Kings of Fame, a collaboration of local artist which has among others, the likes of Doctor Vom.

He said piracy and the use of technological devices such flash disks and memory cards is a big challenge for artists at the moment. ENDS