08 Mar 2017

One can never talk about the popular music competition, My Star, without mentioning the name Keabetswe Sesinyi aka Master Dee.
Not only is he pioneer of the popular music competition that has produced celebrated R&B vocalists and composers,  he has been the face of the show for as long as many can remember.
But, recently he stepped down from the judging panel of My Star.
In an interview, he said he felt it was time to step down and to go look for other things that would uplift the show, such as lighting and stage design.
“You can tell by looking at our set nowadays that it has drastically changed. I am not saying it is perfect, but we are getting there, just keep watching,” he said.
Also, he said he was working on a plan to take the show’s winner to perform outside the country and give them international exposure, adding that he would reveal all the details in due time.
Meanwhile, his resignation had brought in Sydney Baitsile aka DJ Sid, who had been part of the  judging panel for a long time.
Dj Sid, had not been part of the panel in the past few years.
“Sid is just Sid. You need to have someone like that DJ; someone who cannot sing, but plays music. This is a sign of showing people that singing is not the only talent needed. We did auditions for the other judges and that’s how Lee came about.”
When selecting the other judge, he said, they were looking for someone who understood music, could compose, play musical instruments and sing; which were the qualities that Lee possessed.
“This season is fire. I reckon as much as you have seen what Batswana youth can do when it comes to singing, they are so sensational. It is obviously going to be very tough in coming up with the top three, but I am leaving that to Batswana to make the final decision,” he said.
Master Dee said even in his absence on the show, Batswana should keep on supporting it.
Commenting on his surprise come back, DJ Sid said Master Dee called him back to assist in the show after he (DJ Sid) left in 2013 to venture into politics.
He said people were positive about his comeback.
 “What I do in the show is spontaneous, not planned as I comment on what I hear and see. I react to situations as I see them. Above all, my aim is to see the show grow,” he said.
For his part, the new judge, R&B and house sensationalist, former volleyball player and now coach, Lee Tshipana said being in the show was quiet experience and a dream come true for him.
He said he was not new in the music industry.
 “It is not hard to give musical advice to anyone. For the show, I am going to share my knowledge and experience with the contestants,” he said.
He reiterated that Master Dee was good at what he does, saying he was in the show not to replace him, as he  was irreplaceable.
“I am not better than other judges. In fact, I respect and look up to them, but my musical experience and knowledge are an advantage to the show. On the other hand, I believe collectively with our experiences as judges,  we complement each other.”
 He encouraged young people to use their talent to the fullest.
Also, he said they should not hesitate to seek advice and take constructive criticism in order to nurture their talent, adding that they should seek mentorship from other established musicians. ENDS