28 Feb 2017

Over the years across Africa, people with albinism have been discriminated against because of their skin, thus lived in fear.

This kind of torture left some with no hope to be better people in the society.

Omphile Kgabuki known as Omzah in the music industry decided to take it upon himself to use disco music as a way of coping with feelings of frustration and isolation he experiences because of his condition.

Born and raised in Gabane 30 years ago, the artiste’s first and new album O ratwa ke Omzah, featuring seven tracks, was released last year August aiming to encourage the society to accept and live with people with albinism in harmony.

Omzah says growing up with albinism exposed him to bullying and verbal abuse by other children, especially at primary school, thus killing his self-esteem, which left him hopeless and ashamed of himself.

He says it was tough for him to associate with other children because some were even afraid of him.

“After junior school I went to Pudulogong Rehabilitation Centre for the Blind orientation and mobility and that’s where my love for music started since we played marimba and drums,” he noted.

His title track O ratwa ke Omzah is a song dedicated to all those who are in relationships.

He says the message of the song was for the society to understand that people with albinism are people just like everyone and deserve to be loved.

He says he wants to be exemplary  and showcase his talent as well as prove that they too, can do outstanding jobs.  

The disco lover says his love for music drove him to meet the late Donald Botshelo in 2007, saying that he was his mentor and role model.

Omzah says he marketed his music twice on Mokaragana local music show on Btv, and has also held few shows around the country.

He says that the support he got from Batswana is overwhelming.

He has collaborated with other artistes to fine tune his album in the likes of Thando, Khoza and Luz Graphix.  

He says the Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Sport and Culture Development helped him with funds to record  his first album.

His fans can find his music at Ko Setlhareng.com and Ga-Peter Music Stall in Gaborone while in Francistown they can find copies at Cut-Price.  ENDS