23 Jun 2025

Former Big Brother Botswana housemate Kaone Ramontshonyana has released a soulful new single inspired by his wife of eight years, describing it as a heartfelt tribute to their love and journey together.

 In an interview with BOPA, Kay One as he is affectionately called, said the song reflected the beauty, brilliance and unwavering support his wife had shown him throughout their marriage.

“The song is inspired by the love I have for my wife and what she has been to me during our eight years together. Her love, care, understanding and charm have been nothing short of amazing,” he said.

The song is an Afrojazz genre with a twist that draws from 'dikhwaere tsa manyalo', traditional wedding chants.

 “I’ve coined the sound as DikhwaerePop, a subgenre of Afrojazz that modernises wedding folk music,” he added.

Kay One explained that the hook of the song was drawn from a lesser-known traditional tune that was often sung at the weddings.

“I tweaked the pitch and key, then added verses that celebrate her beauty, intelligence and natural charm,” he said.

Also he said the track also included a Setswana poem and was enriched with the sounds of ululation by a village elder, Mme Study, and backing vocals by a young female singer. He shared that the song was a birthday gift to his wife on her 30th and also marked their 8th wedding anniversary.

“This is the first project I’ve taken from concept to completion. I have worked in many studios with many people, but this is the first one I have seen through to the end, and now it’s playing on radio and streaming platforms,” he said.

The original concept was born in Mopane at Mahempe’s Studio, but the song came to life this year when Kay One resumed work with producer Letlhogonolo Laolang, also known as Jabezbeats, at Salvation Music Group Studios in Kanye. The final version, he said, saw a complete transformation of the song’s approach from Mpaxanga to the newly formed Afrojazz DikhwaerePop. Keyboardist Gape Peter, aka Collush, contributed to the arrangement, alongside the featured vocalists.

“The message is simple,” he said. “Let’s show love to our loved ones publicly. Men must make intentional efforts to recognise and cherish their wives.”

Kay One said his eight-year marriage shaped the emotional tone and lyrics of the song, adding that the project speaks to his personal growth as a husband and father.

“It also represents the ideals I believe in about love and fidelity,” he said.

Reflecting on his transition from reality television to music, he acknowledged that while many people remember him from Big Brother, music is another part of his creative identity.

 “I haven’t robustly shared my other talents with the public until now. I believe this is the right time,” he said.

Asked if shifting public perception was challenging, he responded, “That shift will be tested by the journey I’ve just started. This is my first musical offering to the world, and I’m hopeful it will be well received.”

He said he maintains balance in his public and personal life by staying grounded. The song has already started generating positive feedback both in Botswana and across the continent.

“The response so far has been encouraging,” he said.

Kay One said he was also working on visuals and planning intimate performances for weddings, gatherings, and corporate events.

“Because of the personal nature of the music, I want to reach people where love lives in their moments of celebration,” he said.

He also revealed he’s working on new singles and upcoming collaborations.

“There’s more music coming, and I have a special feature on a song by ZEUS that’s about to be released,” he said.

During this creative phase, former big brother contestant said he spends most of his time refining his own music but occasionally listening to gospel and love songs from various local and international artists.

 When asked what his song would look like as a movie, he painted a romantic scene: “My wife and I are walking through a public space, and people notice her beauty and grace as she helps others and solves problems effortlessly.”

He said his hope is that listeners feel warmth, love, and nostalgia when they hear the song. “I want people to feel inspired to be affectionate and intentional with those they love,” he added. ENDS