05 Apr 2017

After seven years without releasing an album since Maratong which featured popular songs like Mmamoratwa, Buhle and Sofa slahlane, Kabelo Tiro formerly known as Skavenja will release an Afro soul album titled Morweetsana end of the month.

Prior to the release of the 18 track album, title track Morweetsana and Ke mang were released last Thursday and have both received positive feedback. Two weeks before the release of the two tracks Tiro was featured in DJ Anthem’s Monyopi single.

Speaking to BOPA in an interview, Tiro said he had enough time to learn more about music during the break as he got bookings to perform at corporate events which introduced him to live performance.

Most songs he said were written in Setswana and opted to record all tracks live over digital recording.

“I used to do up tempo afro pop as Skavenja, I then rebranded to Kabelo Tiro who is now afro soul focused. My inspiration comes from local act Lizibo who mainly sings in Kalanga hence I opt to use Setswana lyrics for my afro soul album. Internationally I listen to Vusi Nova and Nyathi who sing in Xhosa, so why not Setswana,” Tiro elaborated.

He said he had not forsaken Skavenja fans as they were catered for.

The album features collaborations with My Star winner Sharon and Skazzo and was yet to work with Mosako and hoped the song would be ready by the time of the album release.

Tiro stated that different producers worked on his album and they included Kitso Maucheza who produced music for gospel artistes including Tebbie, Thabo Kgaswane who produced Charma Gal and guitaristes Sakkie Nonong and Gee who worked with jazz songstress Punah Gabasiane and Botswana Ensemble group.

The seven year sabbatical he took allowed him improve his dance moves and established choreography and fashion studio as well as emceeing, he said.

A fashionista, Tiro said he had dressed VEE and T.H.A.B.O among high profile artistes

“I enrolled for a fashion course but did not complete it. I think fashion comes naturally to me but I benchmark too, ”Tiro explained.

He said since adding choreography to his work in 2007 he had choreographed Limkokwing’s Performing Arts students, Mascom Top 8 babes for three years, 2009 BOMU dancers, weddings, parties, individuals and many other local events. ENDS