11 Feb 2018

The adage which says “Don’t judge a book by its cover” is indisputably true, but many seem not to realise that whoever coined this saying might have had time and energy to observe nature, its surroundings as well as people and came up with this positive drive.    

 

Had I not believed in this maxim, I could have most probably dismissed two members of Aregopoleng Gospel Boyz group who dropped by Mass Media Complex for an interview and album review because they looked like chancers from the streets at first glance. Their small stature also betrayed their inner holy intentions. 

 

Just like Jesus who started his religious exploits at a tender age, the group which comes from the ever busy and rough section of the capital city, Gaborone West in Phase I, found it fitting to bring people, especially the youth closer to the Lord through gospel music in spite of their age.

 

The two members who came for the interview, Kagiso Magano and Tumisang Marumoagae looked young and unripe to elaborate on their journey to the music land, a road which is full of treacherous and anguish surprises. 

 

Living in G-Wawa, a place which has a high population density and has a good share of crime yet is still capable of producing some of the country’s star-studded artists, did not deter or dissuade them from their mission, but instead inspired them through everyday events which happened around them and ultimately formed a gospel band.

 

The purpose, they said, was to preach to the masses the word of God through soothing music which accommodates people of different ages and backgrounds for the common purpose of living a clean and responsible life in society.

 

Formed in 2011, the group according to Kagiso undertook to provide an efficient and effective service to all, to wave the Botswana flag and chant the message of peace and love throughout the world.

 

It further wants to get youth into leading and living drug free and sober lifes, bring hope to the needy by charitable works as well as to aid in achieving a gospel tolerant nation.

 

But this dream surely will be realised in that when listening to their music, it is rich in praise poetic lines and the voices are compelling to the listener in that they synchronise with instruments and are clearly defined and audible.    

 

From their second and current album titled Re Bolela le Modimo, all the 10 tracks are inviting and have varying music tempos which ranges from Mokhukhu to kwasakwasa as well as sweet meandering melody characterised by occasional harmonical and jazzy guitar.

 

With their opening song Motsotso to the last track Amen surely the quartet can raise the dead from the tombs even those who are reluctant to wake up with the conscious knowledge that they are going to face the wrath of judgement from his Almighty Lord. 

 

The quartet, as a means of reaching out to the larger population and marketing itself, has engaged modern technology of advertising their services.

 

Their current album can be obtained at Mminathoko Music Shop and Ko Setlhareng.Com all Main Mall. 

 

Aregopoleng Gospel Boyz pride itself with BOMU Traditional Gospel 2013 award and was also nominated for best new comer and best group. Were second finalist in Presidential Celebration Awards. 

 

It performed in big events like Stockholm gospel festival in 2015 and shared the stage with international artists in the likes of Gerald T. Smith, Daniel D. Jones from USA and St Ignatius choir from Zambia.The group also performed in Botswana Africa Youth Games sharing stage with well-known artists like Vee, K Boss and HT.

 

 They were nominated for African Gospel Music and Media Awards in London under category of Musical Group of Excellence, but could not make it because of lack of sponsorship.

 

There were 13 groups in the category and Godfrey and the Xtreme Crew from Nigeria got the award. 

 

 

The group however is gaining popularity in the country and had the opportunity of visiting Sweden and performing there courtesy of the Presidential Music Awards. Other members of the group are Thato Andina and Kepadile Mantswenyane.  ENDS