02 Jun 2015

He first warmed the hearts of Batswana through his enthusiastic humour and theatrical prowess. 

The multi-talented man is an actor, comedian and a musician. The man in question, is non another than Jethro Ndebele, also known as Umaga, by his fans.

Not only is this man a jerk of all trades, he masters all of them, redefining the performing arts in Botswana and promoting them with the indigenous languages of Herero, Kalanga, Sekgalagadi and Ndebele. Umaga has made the world his oyster, and he is destined for greater heights.

His talent was first discovered by his childhood friend, back in school at Bobonong, when Umaga was the head of the drama club at school. He said the man is a close friend, a mentor, a business associate and one of Botswana’s leading traditional dance personalities,  Shumba Ratshega.

“I discovered I had talent when I was a boy schooling at Natal Primary School, my home village, which is located on the Northern part of Botswana.  I got a stand innovation when I sang at a kgotla, from then I never looked back, and because of Shumba now people know me as Umaga as he launched my career and saw the potential in me,” he said.

The funny, conservative and a softie teddy bear Umaga, does a lot to promote his talent, he quit his job as a police officer to continue with performing arts, and he often reminisces that he did not go far at school, as he failed his BGCSE exams to attend a Drama competition.

But, he said he does not regret anything, because he lives, breathes and eats music and comedy including acting.

Also, he added, because his mother was born with a disability, he works closely with the disabled children in his home village of Natale, and every year towards September, he organises a charity event, and the proceeds go to them.

“I am a person who likes giving back to the community and the disabled are close to my heart, also in Gaborone West where I used to reside. I often conduct drama classes to all children and interested public free of charge, to share my experience and talent,” he said.

Umaga said the highlight of his career was when he wrote a script for his friend, Shumba, on the Makhirikhiri DVD and album, and also at G-West when he performed against Pantsula and Kwaito Legends Trompies at the then Bonnigton South Member of Parliament Botsalo Ntuane’s launch as a parliamentary candidate.

Asked about his recent endeavours, Umanga mentioned that he is now working on his latest album which will be launched on September 11, and will be titled “September 11”, because it will be a bomb of entertainment.

Adding that, it will be a 16 track album, with a song titled “lezoti”. It will encompass all his favourite languages, from Kalanga, Zulu, Sepantsula, English, Setswana, and Ndebele amongst others.

He said this song appreciates all types of beautiful women, and in sepantsula lezothi is a woman who has the complete package. The song also sends a message to women to be independent and never to rely on men.  

Not only is Umaga an entertainer, but he engages in community projects with different ministries to promote awareness on diabetes, alcohol and drug through drama.

Many will see this man on their TV screens directing at events, performing at shows and making funny jokes at the Gaborone Bus Rank.

One day, the man will be a legend and a force to reckon with in Botswana entertainment industry. ENDS