05 Jul 2017

Music has always been something that brings people together and has over the years been used to shine a spotlight on some of humanity’s social issues and injustices.

One of the amazing effects of music is that it does not matter what language is used, it tends to overlok language barriers.

It is admirable seeing young Batswana artistes embracing their God given talent and trying to make a living from music and taking their craft seriously.

One such lad is Ramatlabama-born Ernest Molaodi who is a self-taught guitarist, keyboardist and vocalist.

Having released his album titled Boela Gae, BOPA sat down with the young muso to get his take on his offering and what inspired him to drop an afro jazz album.

Molaodi indicated that he started off music in 2001 and used to sing, play guitar and keyboard at Bible Life Ministries.

Boela Gae is an eight track album produced by Phillip Mate and engineered by Kabo Koosimile.

Molaodi noted that his inspiration for the album came from relationships, marriage and the fact that most marriages are dysfunctional.

“I want to reach out to couples and encourage them to love each other through thick and thin. This is why most of the songs on my album are about love. There is a lack of love in most relationships and without love it becomes hard for couples to work out and they end up being dysfunctional,” he said.

He said music should expect new soothing soulful sounds and that is what makes his music standout from the rest of the other afro jazz artists.

Some of the tracks that stand out from the album are Mama Nkokodi, which also features Lister Boleseng on saxophone and his signature is all over it.

Other tracks include Africa featuring Phillip Mate, Letlhafula featuring Lister Boleseng, Maikano featuring Boikanyo Bw, Pula, Love is Everywhere and Lerato Le featuring Boikanyo Bw.

Most of the songs are written by Phillip Mate and he also has a hand in lead guitar, bass guitar and keyboards.

Molaodi said the album retails for P100 and can be found in all music shops around the country.

Boela Gae is a good offering and what stand out from the album are the clean instruments that blend very well with the vocals and it is evident that is was crafted by people who know what they are doing.

It is an album one can enjoy over a long drive or just relaxing at home on a Sunday just unwinding from a hectic weekend one would have had. ENDS