07 Jan 2015

One of the local music veterans, Lekofi Sejeso has said his new 10 track Tswana Afro Funk debut album is a Christmas present for Batswana.

He said the release of his debut album is a relief as he has been working on it for too long to ensure that it rises to his high musical standards.

Sometimes it takes time for one to appreciate a musical album especially if it is a debut album but this one is different as a first listen is able to captivate the listener especially those with a feel for Afro tunes, with a jazzy funky style.

Speaking to BOPA, Lekofi said the Album; simply entitled Afrika Ye is a conglomeration of musical tunes to suit the listening hunger of those with a keen ear for music.

He said the release is a result of years of musical performance as at some stage he shared the stage with the likes of Hugh Masekela, Salif Keita, UB 40, the Commodores, Shaba Ranks and a host of other international artists.

The Lobatse born and bred Lekofi also had a stint with some old time bands such as Mothers Band Kalahari and formed Afro Sunshine in the late 80.  

Afro Sunshine would ring a bell to many local music lovers as it had immense talent in the likes of the late Duncan Senyatso, Jeff Malaba and a number of other talented local musicians.

Lekofi who ventured into the music industry in 1975 forming the INCROWDS alongside the likes of Banjo Mosele of Ntja e Jele Ntjanyana fame and former Cabinet minister Keletso Rakhudu is a marvel to watch on stage. 

He is a versatile musician who can play drums, guitar, keyboard and vocals but given the opportunity, he can also be nimble footed on the dance floor.

The album is a happy production as it does not have any nostalgic tunes that can strike a chord of sadness in anybody’s mind except to promise a future of togetherness as the title track stipulates.

Afrika Ye, which is the first track talks about how the African continent is endowed with natural resource and expertise which tends to benefit the Western World more than the motherland Africa.

He feels that Africa should use its resources to create jobs for the people unlike the current situation where Africans go to look for greener pastures elsewhere leaving their countries at the mercy foreigners. 

Track number six simply entitled Little Things which talks about how some people treat certain things trivial yet they mean a lot as life is made up of minute components, some of the invisible to the naked eye.

The other exciting track is Bontle which speaks about a Botswana born African girl who is able to capture the whole world with beauty.

It speaks of a girl with a beautiful skin as if she uses milk and honey to cleanse her skin, bringing to one’s mind the likes of former Miss Universe Mpule Kwelagobe, Emma Wariaus, Face of Africa Kaone Kario, Alima Isaacs and other local girls who captured the outside world with their captivating beautiful attributes.

Lekofi could not go wrong with the likes of the legendry John Selolwane on the lead guitar and in some of the songs there is Kapenta Katuta on rhythm and lead guitar to add variety.

On some of the songs he has Nono Seile and Bonnie Fisher on backing vocals on drums and percussions there is Munya Muhonda while Mbaki Nleya is on bass guitar.

The album would be an excellent addition to local jazz lover’s collection and those who appreciate aspects of Batswana cultural lifestyle that is clearly portrayed in the last song called Thepe. ENDS