18 Aug 2015

The 2014 President’s Day competitions winner in the back track category, Onalekitso “Velast” Monnaatsheko is uplifting other young musicians in Maun.

Speaking in an interview recently, Velast said he records upcoming artists in his studio free of charge. He has so far recorded four artists who are also his dancers. He noted that he has hired almost 20 dancers who work in shifts.

He said he was out to help reduce unemployment and crime in Maun. He also extends his help to training community choirs and drama groups. He has trained a choir called Melody Rangers. Velast said he got involved in the music world after he was chosen the best singer at school.

“I realised that I have talent in singing and dancing house kwasa,” he relates. The young muso said he has tried his luck with the Youth Development Fund (YDF), but could not get funding as he has no musical qualifications.

He said some of the challenges they face in the music industry, especially upcoming artists, was lack of sponsors. Velast said they need support from local investors. He has, however, found help. A teacher at Moeti Junior Secondary School is helping him realise his musical dreams.

He urged the youth to take education seriously even if they want to pursue a career in music, as the sector was not only for those who have failed at school. Velast encouraged those who have talent to work hard and use their talent wisely as well as to seek help from other artists and government.

Velast will soon launch his latest album called Trac-Thara. The work was released on early this month and is currently on local radio.
The young star said he came up with Trac-Thara (tractor) after realising that most artists were copying each other’s songs. He urged fellow musos to take their time to produce quality works. BOPA