15 Aug 2017

Kesebonye Sereto is a true man of God and this revelation comes to live when he sings gospel; glorifying the Almighty for His graciousness and Holiness from his classic gospel album titled Earth Quake, released immediately after the July CKGR earth quake. 

But from afar you could think that the Molepolole man is shy and cannot express himself when approached for an interview, but wait and listen as he endlessly narrates how he came into the music scene. 

In his own admission he said gospel music has not yet been fully explored to greater heights in Botswana, especially by the youth, though it has the potential to reward handsomely and also bring people closer to God, as one way to sustain spiritual human sanity in the community. 

The youthful Sereto notes with pride that he took his time before releasing this 11-track album which was recorded in Swaziland with Swati backers so as to spice up the music with their unique voices which are one of a rare kind in the region. 

Sereto appeared in the music industry over 10 years ago and released his first album, Ba etele, in 2005 which was also recorded in Swaziland. 

One of the songs which won the admiration of the people was titled Bogosi jwa Legodimo.

The album did well in the market and was followed by another titled Not Over which was recorded with the aid of another gospel maestro Tshepo Lesole. 

Sereto did not come into gospel by chance or mistake because his grandfather, Sefemo Tladiyana was a priest at the local church and therefore was inspired. 

However, his music is flavoured by the use of serenating saxophone and highly coordinated drums which do not dwarf the voices of the singers, something which makes it easy to sing along. 

This young entrepreneur, who is also managing director of Jesper Distributors which sells fruits and vegetables as well as a spares shop in Molepolole, has urged the youth to exploit the gospel music industry because it looks as if the genre is dormant though there is a lot of talent and expertise locally. 

Asked how he manages and coordinates his medley of responsibilities, Sereto said he does it with perfection as he was able to allocate each sector enough time including during the weekends. 

He has so far managed to sell over 500 copies and has engaged some foot soldiers to sell the album in strategic parts of the country. 

Earth Quake is a good album to listen to and it could be best enjoyed in a long journey through the vast countryside dotted shrub savannah with undulating landscape. 

Songs found in this album which gets nine out of 10 include Gelekece, Ke mametse, Bonga, O siame, Ditshaba, Hold me, Ke latlhegile, Semphete, Sold out, Well done and Hold me which is instrumental. ENDS