06 Oct 2016

The name Kgwanyape Band might not be a household name now, but to those older enough would recall that it is a name that used to dominate the local airwaves.
The legendary music pioneering local band, which initially comprised the likes of the late Duncan Senyatso, his brother Caxton Senyatso and Simon Jacquet was one of the first promising groups to emerge from the country.
In an interview with BOPA, at Live Wire studio in Ramotswa, where Caxton is working on his first solo project, he said, “I fought to continue the legacy of Kgwanyape, though it was not easy, after finding the right match for the band, we have been doing live shows, but, we have not yet worked on an album,” he explained.
Putting on casual blue jean and white shirt, Caxton was at easy explaining that his solo project does not mean the death of Kgwanyape.
Caxton, who plans to release his 10 track album titled Passion Killing in November this year, said his album was a cry of short lived relationships which killed the essence of love by acting against love through killing of partners.
The album will be produced by Chanty Natural aka Phemelo Moikabi and could give music lovers something to remember from Kgwanyape band.
However, Caxton was quick to point out that Kgwanyape has not died and pointed that the band recently performed during pre BOT50 celebrations in Gaborone and they were graced by the presence of former member, Simon from Scotland who joined them on stage.  The Tsetsejwe born artiste said he has always been passionate about music and comes from a musical background .
His grandfather was a guitarist, his parents were singers and also his siblings are in the music industry.
Kgwanyape recorded their first album at Radio Botswana Studios and it was released in January 1986, followed by second album which was titled Mephato Ya Maloba, released in September same year and it was recorded in Jwaneng at Mobile Studios owned by Loyd Ross from South Africa.
“Our band released only two albums, which gave Duncan an opportunity to work on his two solo albums, we also focused on other projects,” said the 52 year old musician. “We continued to do live shows and it was not the end of Kgwanyape,” Caxton narrated.
He explained that Duncan played lead/rhythm guitar, Simon played mandolin guitar, Mijah Carbo from Holland was a guitarist, Andrew Rigby from Australia was flutist and he played bass guitar.
“Kgwenyape band is privileged to have shared the stage with international musicians like UB40, Eric Clapton, Third World, and Shabba Ranks just to mention a few,” he beamed with a smile.
The band has toured some African countries like Zimbabwe, South Africa and Zambia.
    As a member of the pioneering band, he said during their early days, there were few music bands in Botswana and the likes of Noisy Road were conceived.
     He said local music was not getting much recognition during the times of the late Ratsie Setlhako, Stampore and other traditional folk performers who were there before the formation of Kgwanyape band.
“Am grateful for the path created by the late legends Ratsie Setlhako and Stampore in the music industry, their dedication and love for music have inspired a lot of artistes to strive for what they want,”  he said.
The singer said he appreciates the support the government had shown in the music industry.
Furthermore, Caxton said Kgwanyape band was affected by the loss of its leader, singer Duncan Senyatso in 2006 and with other band members going back to their countries.
He said he did not let the challenge break him, he accepted the situation and took over as leader of the band and searched for candidates who complemented the gap in the band.
Senyatso encouraged the youth to concentrate on their education and have a purpose in life. He emphasised that they should not have wrong perception about music and take it lightly, explaining that music should be learnt and understood and one should have passion for it to make career out of it. ENDS