11 Apr 2013

After spending his early days in the music industry as a dancer, the 27-year- old Sese born, Kebabonye Poshi has released an eight-track traditional dance album titled Mokaloba Oa Nyala.

Recorded at BMP studios in Mogoditshane, the album was released last month with the assistance of Bullet Ketshabile who also produced it.

However, due to financial constraints, Kebabonye, who goes by the stage name Chikafala or Radibanta said the CDs were yet to be distributed to shops.

“I’m still distributing the CDs by hand or during promotions when I’m performing for crowds.”

Chikafala cut his teeth in the music industry in 2007 when he started as a dancer for Afro Pop artist Suzz Jay, before switching to house kwasa the same year also working as a dancer for Shoba Nics.

It was in 2008 that he went to look for greener pastures in neighbouring South Africa, whereupon he was signed by Pretoria based Sunshine Records company.

He also had the opportunity to work with two South Africa traditional dance groups, namely Magosi A Ngwao and All Star Tradition. The former also featured local traditional dance artists in the likes of Ditiro Leero and Gongmaster.

Two years later, Radibanta came back home and had the opportunity to work as a dancer for Maxy, before trying his luck in the Dikhwaere genre when he joined Sticks Rakhiba the following year.

It was the love for poetry that made him to start working on his solo album last year.

In the eight-track album, he featured Ashley Gops, Boemo ‘Madala’ Banamotse who sings dikhwaere as well as house-kwasa artist Kessy.

In the title song, Mokaloba Oa Nyala, Chikafala reflects the challenges that one goes through before getting married.

The song is characterized by poetry accompanied by ululations, while danceable instrumentals provide ambience sound.

Also a poetic song, the sixth track Choppies is an appreciation for Choppies stores for continuing to have a positive impact in the lives of Batswana, especially by creating employment for the youth including street kids.

Radio Botswana is praised in the seventh song titled Seromamowa, in which the artist features Kessy.

The song appreciates the radio station’s programmes, especially Masa A Sele which kickstarts at the break of dawn.    

 Other songs in the album include Malaakoma, Khutsanyana, Mabele, Mathaio and O Kgobile Kgetsi. ENDS