12 Apr 2016

Emmanuel Batshegi a.k.a Emasto (31) of Moshupa has never stopped short of exploiting his talents. He started from photography, but later switched to the music business.

Batshegi, a staunch member of the Zion Christian Church (ZCC) shared his story during a recent interview. Initially, he had no intention of venturing into the music until he was told that music was his calling.

His musical journey started in 2009 when he decided to buy himself a keyboard with some of the profits from his photography and photocopying business. Batshegi stated that he did not know how to play the keyboard but Mgcini Nhliyizo, a seasoned music producer from Zimbabwe groomed him into playing the music instrument better.

“I started producing beats and instrumentals for individuals and managed to make more money to buy studio equipment,” he said. Now Batshegi is the proud owner of Emasto Records, a producer, photographer and four albums under him.

His latest offering, Bana Ba mpogo, is a traditional gospel music album. He expressed gratitude for the support he was getting from Radio Botswana saying his song, Jehofa Montsamaisi was getting a satisfying airplay.

“Through the song I have been able to get some recognition and benefit from COSBOTS,” he said. He further mentioned that not all his songs were of gospel music genre as he had a traditional music album titled Ranngaro.

As an upcoming producer Emasto, prides himself in his successful productions including a song titled Utlwang tlheng that he produced for Thari ya Setso traditional music group and won the Best Traditional music group under Contemporary Music Category during the National Presidential competitions in 2014.

Another music album production project was with Tiny Khole who scooped a BOMU Nomination as Best Female Traditional Artist (Gospel) in 2014. He has also worked with Masalela a Setso traditional music group in 2012 ensuring that their song Dibogola Poo received a major airplay in Radio Botswana.

In order to grow his music production business, Batshegi is scouting for more talented artists. ENDS