20 Nov 2016

The name Nnunu Ramogotsi needs no introduction, for she is a known songbird whose golden voice knows no boundaries.

From private to public broadcasters, local to international, the voice of Ramogotsi has left a mark in the hearts of many listeners.

Yet, the expedition of the Ramotswa-born songbird in the music industry has not been a bed of roses.

The journey traces back to 1998 when she joined KTM choir under the mentorship of the late Gomolemo Motswaledi.

And it was step that propelled her to greater heights as went on to record her first album, Mma-Sonoko in 2011, which was recorded at High Note studio owned by Tshepo Lesole and was mastered at Jazz Worx in 2012 at South Africa.

The album was eventually launched in 2012 at Grand Palm and was graced by the presence of among others Motsweding FM presenter Cebo Manyapelo and the legendary Steve Kekana.

Although jazz is not so popular such as some genres, Ramogotsi is adamant that it is the right choice for her. “Jazz music does not lose vibe so easily, it always matures and upgrade to another level, that is why am not rushing to do second album,” she said defending her passion.

In 2012, she was nominated on four categories of BOMU music awards but won Best Album of the Year and Best Female Artist of the Year, which were all lifetime experiences of her musical journey. “After winning BOMU awards, my life took a new turn, I started getting invitations to share my talent internationally, where I was privileged to learn and work with amazing artists”, she explained.

The Role la tsie hit maker did it again this year when she walked away with Best Video of the year for 2016 BOMU awards. She attributes her success to the exposer she often gets, noting that her first European 2013 tour experience gave her opportunity to share stage with Sweden Jazz artist Tomas Castro and Anna Christopher.

After giving her European fans the taste of African breeze, she left them wanting more of her, and eventually went back in 2014 with Shanti Lo, Puna Gabasiame, Kabo Leburu and Kearoma.

She continued to fly her wings high when she toured Germany and Sweden on 2014 with Shanti Lo and Kearoma, as the Jazz trio promoting local music outside boarders. In 2015, the local Jazz artist formed an ensemble called Re Batswana which gave them the chance to explore their talent to Germany, Sweden, and Switzerland and Nnunu explained it as a beautiful experience to have been part of.

Her path continued to shine again this year after being invited to China, Sweden and Germany to enlighten them with her melodious voice.

The star, who is still single, detailed about shooting cultural exchange documentary in collaboration with some Chinese jazz artist in Beijing this year which will be aired on CCTV.

This year, she was nominated for AFRIMMA Awards in America with the likes of Lira and Zonke. Aalthough she did not make it, she is excited about embarking on such a milestone in her career.

During her time in America, she was blessed to do music shows at Huston and Galveston where she performed alongside American Jazz artist Matthews Dasco and Eri. She is grateful to Saores Katumbela of Streethorn Promotions who made all her international tours possible together with the support of Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Sports and Cultural Development.

Apart from her musical achievement, there is more on the singer’s plate who has found love in working and empowering kids.

She is a charitable person who works with different NGOs to help make a difference in the society as well as being an ambassador of UNICEF. BOPA