26 Jan 2016

At a time when the rich vitality and passion of the treasured Tswana traditional music seems to be dying a slow death, Mogomotsi Kelebeng known as 2 metre in music circles is traversing through this challenge and soaring beyond his expectations.

Having grown up immersed in the distinctive culture, music, language and landscape of Northern Kgalagadi in the village of Kang, 24-year-old Mogomotsi discovered enjoyment and music calling at an early age, and it is these influences that the young singer now presents with clarity and tenderness. He started his music career as a dancer for the late Kgalagadi musical icon Qane. 

When still in his teens, he went to Motaung JSS to explore the vibrant Tsutsube music, where he met his current dancers ‘Mamphorwana a tladi’. 

His rich native Kgalagadi language and eloquence that is blended with modern sounds has unlocked doors of opportunities for him. 

Since he joined the music industry, 2 metre quickly became one of the most talked about and exciting acts to emerge in the Kgalagadi traditional/folk music scene emulating Kgobola, Qane, Matsieng and other well celebrated Kgalagadi artistes.

Upon releasing his highly acclaimed debut album titled Kgalagari in 2013, 2 Metre quickly established himself as the hottest ticket in Kgalagadi music. 

2 Metre has played at some of the most prestigious events and corporate shows across the Kgalagadi region. 

Whenever he stops, the audience rise to their feet in applause. 

His Kgalagari album comprises a six song collection of original and pure Kgalagadi traditional songs that explore his family roots in Kang as well as the Seshaga and Sesarwa musical dynamic that underlies so much Kgalagadi traditional music. 

His well-orchestrated Khudu song has made a lot of airwaves in local radio stations like Radio Botswana and Duma FM, his producer Mooketsi Motlhaleemang said, “this is a stunning debut album, filled with energy and references to the best Kgalagadi ensemble work from the heydays of the 1990’s…he will be a force to be reckoned with the big bookable artiste.”

The album was recorded at Melodichorn Recording Studio in Lobatse. 

It was mixed, programmed and mastered by Mooketsi Motlhaleemang. 2 Metre mentioned that it took him close to a week to finish the album, because ‘since he sleeps, eats and walks traditional music’ it propelled him to take the project seriously and finish it in less than a week. He said he  gets inspiration from Gong Master, Kgobola and Qane. 

He generates a powerful sound that encapsulates the very soul of Kgalagadi traditional music. 

Singing a mixture of original and contemporary folk songs, laden with creative harmonies, and playing sets of tunes bursting with explosive energy, his music always delivers. 

As a traditional artiste he also wants to encourage people to strive to acquire their dreams and refrain from any wayward behaviour that could hinder the fulfillment of their ambitions. 

“I encourage fellow youth to use their God-given talent because the secret behind every success is self-confidence, hard work and patience,” he said. 

Furthermore 2 Meter said he is working on his second album that will be released early this year. Ends