06 Mar 2016

While some give up when things do not seem to be going their way in their respective groups, this challenge did not let down the young Gantsi traditional music singer and dancer Jelinah Mokgwatheng popularly known as Selonyane .

Selonyane began her music journey after failing to further her studies to senior level. She then relocated to Kasane where she was ntroduced to a traditional group called Tse Tilodi by her friend Kagisano, with whom she met Kabelo, Magdeline, and Thembeni. Having met this trio Selonyane said they decided to form their own traditional group, the renowned Cultural Spears. They then produced hits songs which made mark in all corners of the country as well as internationally.

Due to some controversial issues in the group Selonyane decided to part ways with the group in 2010.

“The environment did not suit me as there were always conflicts within the group which resulted in me having irregular headache,” added Selonyane. Selonyane who then moved back to her home village decided to do what she was passionate about by being a solo artist. “I saw it fit to start again on my own to promote my culture in my local area,” she added.

Selonyane produced her first debut album in 2013 which she recorded in Razing Sounds Studios in Zimbabwe. This album which consists of six tracks narrates all the hardships Selonyane underwent and what people should expect from her. She was able to work with different artistes such as Nametso Motshabi and applauded one of her fans in Mochudi Basadi Manga for the support she gave her in making this album.

In 2014 Selonyane competed in the President competitions under the upcoming artist category and scooped position one at regional level and then attained position four in the national level where she won P1700, the cash which she used to cut CDs.  She said in 2015 after proposing the ministry of youth sports and culture for support they then sponsored her to the tune of P32000 and she was lucky to make her debut DVD which will be launched soon.

She said the DVD will be launched on March 7, 2016 in Namibia, South Africa and Zambia respectively. As a concerned artiste Selonyane said she is looking forward to coming up with strategies to fight piracy which bring their talents down as musicians. Finally she advised young upcoming artistes to take their studies seriously as the music industry nowadays needs someone who is educated. Ends