28 Jun 2017

In 2010 she was literally the first person to be evicted from My Star competion, but 31-year-old Boikanyo Ketlhwaafetse, also known as Mslissah in the music circles, has never allowed her misfortunes to dampen her spirits.

The native Tlokweng born expressed her excitement in an interview recently and highlighted that since her My Star days, she did not throw in the towel, instead she decided to horn her dexterity and become the brand she is today.

“After making it to the top 20 of My Star competition in 2010 and being literally the first person out of the competition, it did not deter nor demoralise me. As painful as it was, it made me want to fight more because I had always known a day job wasn’t for me,” Mslissah said.

In 2012 she released her debut single, Love Anthem.

In her exact words; it did not do well in the market to a point where some radio stations did not play it.

Nonetheless, in 2013, she took it upon her stride and dusted herself.

She released her second single, Weak on my Knees, which did far much better than Love Anthem.

Both singles were self funded and were recorded at Metal Stack Records and produced by Dalton Quake and Clayton Clarke.

However, in 2014 she reinvented herself and linked up with the industry’s ultimate best and made a collaboration on a single titled Cry no More, which opened massive doors for her and put her on the map in the music industry.

The song received a kudos from critics as well as airplay from various radio stations.

Mslissah wittingly explained that was the time she was auspiciously called ‘The first lady of bw house’ as she was the first woman to venture into this genre.

“Working with Dj Oats was a walk in the park, he is such a free spirit and very talented as well. I really learnt a lot from him,” said Mslissah.

The Diploma in Journalism graduate noted that her new single Lerato was not ready and is set to be released the end of this month.

It was virtually produced by Clayton Clarke with the help of Ricardo from Majic Keys Records.

Mslissah explained that she was super excited about this single as it would finally get to showcase her raw flair and knack in music.

The poignant singer explained the type of music she did as simply ‘soulful house’.

This particular single is a combination or mixture of upbeat tempos and midnight blues; an instant hit that caters for both the young and the old.

What satisfied her the most, she said, was that she accentuated or gave emphasis to her native language, Setswana.

In Mslissah’s own words her single is ‘a happy song about love and the joys of being truly loved’.

The soulful singer is indeed confident and optimistic that Batswana will warmly receive her single as she has outdone herself to entertain them.

She also gave a reference to her late mother, Matlhomola Segokgo; who was her sole inspiration, backbone and cheerleader when she was as young as seven years old.

She boosted her confidence and also encouraged her to follow her heart in all aspects of life.

“My mother discovered my singing talent at the age of seven, I started singing at church and I have been in love with music ever since. I have always known I was going to become an artiste at some point,” Mslissah said.

Locally, Mslissah draws inspiration and her creative niche from fellow artistes such as; Gaone Rantlhoiwa, Amantle Brown, Samantha Mogwe and Lizibo just to name a few.

Internationally, she would love to work with the likes of Dj Tira Prince Kaybee, and Bucie.

She also has ample experience as a backup singer for the likes of music giant Lister Boleseng and Soccer Moruakgomo since the age of 19.

She learnt the ropes from them and what it takes to break through, but most importantly being a backup singer taught her that patience was virtue.

Lastly, Mslissah encouraged aspiring artistes that nothing in this world came easy, one had to work their fingers to the bone and go an extra mile to make it in this industry.

She noted that firstly one had to be determined, but determination is nothing without passion.

“Nothing will come to you if you do not work for it. Make moves, use social media platforms to approach the right people and make the right noise. Sometimes even knock at their door steps,” she said.

As she endures in this journey, the sky is the limit for the former My Star contestant and she believes her hard work will surely take her places.  ENDS