11 Feb 2018

 Lobatse is a town with rich history and a place adorned with musical talent that will forever retain and reflect the hilly town’s identity, which is unmatched by any standard and will remain so in the next generations to come.

 

Where people live and consider a home, there is always music, that is part on human nature and can never be divorced from each other, unless human life comes to oblivion. 

 

However, some people are attached to music like a finger and nail and can’t help but live music to the fullest.

 

One such person is Matlhomola Mooketsi, who goes by the stage name Ace and comes afar with music and has traversed various parts of the country fulfilling his music calling.

 

He has along the way played for various bands such as The Dragon, Gold Fingers, The Breakers, The Bomb and Dinosaurs, which he owns and is based in Lobatse.

 

The legendary Ace, who might not be known to youngsters though he has relentlessly played a significant role in the development of music in the country from as early as 1976, breaths and lives music and is ready to tell of his music exploits, which could bring tears to one’s eyes.

 

The lead guitar player, who is a father of four, is a perfect jazz musician who should be breaking chords, but chose to be calm and do his artistic work without wailing for recognition from whoever cares. 

 

Although he has a steady and permanent job as a salesman at Phoenix Bakery in Lobatse, he cannot imagine living without his guitar or listening to music as he says it is a soothing and natural medicine to human soul. 

 

Ace’ album, which is titled Heavy Weight cements his prowess to jazz music, which he plays with subtle gusto that is neither self-appraisal move nor a direct challenge to his foes, if there are any.

 

 When he admitted in an interview that his music is not in high demand in Lobatse where he is based, but instead high in Jwaneng, at first it did not make sense, but quickly explained that it was due to economic differences between the two gradually growing towns.  

 

The 12-track album has not been extensively marketed as Ace prefers to load his CDs and go around with them because he does not trust people to sell his music as they are fond of playing some dirty tricks on artistes. 

 

Ace is also not a member of BOMU because he says he was discouraged by the infighting within the executive committee and will wait until everything settles before signing in. 

 

In this regard he says he has never competed in the Presidential Arts Competitions though he would love to in future, where he will show youngsters and other competitors how it is done, looking at his many years in the music industry. 

 

Although he is well over 50, Ace is still energetic and walks like a man with measured springs beneath his soles. 

 

This is the same energy he exudes on stage, particularly that some of his songs are fast-paced and will also need a seasoned jazz dancer not to miss a step. 

 

He however sadly misses some of his long time band members who have over the years left this globe to come closer to the maker. 

 

Born in Mochudi, but decided to make a living in Bandleng, Ace has finally built his Dinosaurs Studio in Woodhall 1 opposite Builders World, where he recorded his album and has also assisted many artistes to record, some for free. Ends