13 Mar 2017

After spending years as part of different traditional dance groups, Onalenna Tsankana has finally released his solo album titled Boswa Jwa Tau Letlalo.

Popularly known as Morwa Tsankana around the music circles, the Tsonyane-born first made his debut when he joined Mokorwana Cultural Group and later Dithakga Tsa Mmino, where he led songs such as Ditaola Di Ole and Kgogamasigo.

It was however after he joined Matsieng that his popularity increased, after being lured by his relative and well known traditional artiste, Ditiro Leero. Morwa Tsankana is well known for his role as a lead singer in songs such as Tinto and Mpheregetlhe from Matsieng’s hit album.

Both from gaNgwaketse, the two artistes started collaborating on individual capacities last year, initially featuring on Ditiro’s album Maganamokgwa.

The pint-sized artiste then encouraged Tsankana to work on his own project and Boswa Jwa Tau Letlalo was born towards the end of January.
The eight-track album features Ditiro in four songs, which does not come as a surprise considering his immense influence. 

The songs are rich in Setswana language and associated proverbs, much to the enjoyment of traditional music fans.

There is also an infusion of dikhwaere music found in the seventh track, Molelo.

Even though it is new in the market, Tsankana said his album has been well received and he continues to launch it across the country.

He said they recently performed some of the songs at the Canberra Cultural Festival in Australia last month. He intends to penetrate the Southern African market before taking it to the rest of Africa.ENDS