22 Jul 2013

Popularly known for their hit song, Lephata la ngwao le botaki, Thari ya Setso traditional group has grown bigger and better.

The group, formed in 2006 by a group of youngsters from Tsabong and surrounding areas in the Kgalagadi south region, had gained popularity in their territory and beyond.

In an interview, Thari ya Setso’s director, Tshwarelo Mmoloki said his group was formed in order to harness youth talents and generate employment in the process. Mmoloki also pointed out that hardwork, perseverance, commitment and good management were some points that kept his group intact.

His claims were backed up by their recent achievement of being crowned best newcomer in contemporary music category in the President’s Day competitions.

The group, best revered for their dominance in constituency arts competitions, drew its inspiration from the renowned traditional music artiste, Gong Master Ketshabile as well as another sensation Ditiro Leero.

Despite having been in the music arena since 2006, the group decried lack of funds, entertainment facilities as well as exposure and market as some of the obstacles towards their success. However, the group director said that quitting was never an option despite the challenges.

He was buoyed by the understanding that the journey of an artist required creativity and innovation. This was the message he preached to other artists.

One of Thari ya Setso’s followers, Keabetswe Motswasele described the group as a hard-working and committed group, a good example to the youth and other artistes.

“The group comprises of youth with a lot of dedication and determination. They have since converted from the traditional song and dance to contemporary music and produced various hits such as Lefufa,” he said.

Motswasele, also a curator in the Department of Youth, Sports and Culture, stated that unlike most groups, which broke-up and disappeared and were only active during competitions, Thari ya Setso had stood the test of time.

He observed that having been in the music industry for some time, Thari ya Setso had shown some commitment and hardwork. The group had never given up despite the many challenges faced by youthful groups in Kgalagadi District.

Motswasele encouraged upcoming groups and individual artistes to work together. He appealed to them to take their work as businesses and turn professional. He urged established artistes to support those at the lower level so that they too might graduate into professional artistes.

He advised artistes to utilise their profits wisely, saying that they should for instance use it to develop their talents, record albums as well as venturing into other forms of businesses. Motswasele appealed to sponsors and investors to sponsor struggling artistes. ENDS