25 Jul 2013

Describing the musical style of Kwaito-Kwasa is not easy considering its variety of influences. It has never really been easy though to tell what it seeks to achieve with its empty verses and somehow controversial lyrical content.

Nevertheless to those who grew up in locations like Gaborone West, the genre has developed into a household name in every respect. It has become a powerful business venture, which can be illustrated by the stories of success it has produced.

Successful artists and groups of this genre include Eskimos, Mingo Touch of tshaba tsotsi fame, Streetgang with Sukunyetsa bana ba utlwe, Senyonfere with his O mphele bana track and Slizer, all of whom originate from Gaborone West.

The latest addition to this list is Amaceeras, a talented duo, One Ramontshonyana and Gaone Masala, only known deep in the dusty streets of G-wawa, as Gaborone West is affectionately. The group’s name Amaceeras, is a fictitious name referring to people who take their work seriously and they like the name suggests.

Besides entering the saturated music industry, they also try their luck as hairstylists, own a car wash, print banners and own a popular clothing brand called M’gaaka. Kwaito-Kwasa best moments were developed from what inspired the young urban people in Kasi or low income areas at the time it became popular.

When DJs in the clubs of the townships increased the pace of South African then popular Kwaito music and added an African twist, such as traditional guitars, elements from African Jazz and a certain beat resembling kwasakwasa, Kwaito-kwasa was born. It was from this idea that Amaceeras gained inspiration and developed a completely new form of beats fusing gospel and what they referred to as new school kwaito.

“We started off  in 2010 with a single called Dipasa Ma10, then I took a break from the music scene due to other commitments but then decided to meet my friend Gaone and put together our maiden album titled  Life Is very Fast and too slow, ”said Ramontshonyana of their humble beginnings.

In this album various influences of daily life are blended in a unique that can best be explored by listening to it. With a barrage of offensive but inspiring lyrical content, the album sends a loud and clear message to those who want to take “short cuts” in life.

Their gospel hit Re fa ka wena, featuring their producer Ephraim Khan is likely to enjoy massive airplay due to its brilliant blending of motswako and the word of God.

The eight track album also has some exciting songs such as Botshelo jwa ka jeko, Magaleng and a slow beat love ballad Medi, which is township lingo for a young lass. ENDS