30 Jul 2025

Recognising that his contributions to the music industry were not fully treasured in his native country Botswana, Gappy Roberts, as One Gabasiane is fondly called in music circles, made a bold decision to pack his bag and leave in search of new opportunities offshore.

Not an easy decision for a wet behind the ears musician who was yet to carve a niche in the hard to please showbiz industry.

Nevertheless, his journey landed him in the United Kingdom where he sought to redefine his musical career and find the recognition he believed he deserved.

In the bustling streets of the UK, Gappy Roberts began singing in public, gradually garnering attention for his unique style and powerful voice.

His perseverance paid off when he was scouted for the prestigious competitions like, Britain’s Got Talent and The Voice UK.

His participation at these shows opened doors to a wider audience and showcased his immense talent on a global stage.

“Within just two years of arriving in the UK, I must say I achieved notable success. I clinched the Best RnB award from the BBC 2023, marking a significant milestone in my career. My passion for Afrobeat also earned me the Best Afro Beat award at the Beacon Urban Awards 2024, further solidifying my status as a rising star in the music industry,” he said.

From the dusty streets of Mahalapye to a flourishing career in the UK, he continued to push boundaries and uplift his music bridging cultures and sharing his story with the wider world.

With every performance, he embodies the spirit of his heritage while embracing new influences, carving a unique path in the global music landscape, which is always not an easy task for someone born this side of the fence.

Born into a musical family consisting of several siblings who achieved significant success in the music industry, notably the award winning jazz virtuoso, Punah Gabasiane and former My Star winner, Bianca Gabasiane, Gappy Roberts’ journey is an inspiring testament to resilience and determination.

The Gabasiane family has undoubtedly contributed to the rich tapestry of Botswana’s music scene.

Back home, despite his undeniable talent, he faced numerous challenges including being nominated four times for Best RnB at the Botswana Music Awards (BOMU) without securing a win in 2017, 2018 and the last edition of the awards.

His dedication to music, however, saw him take on a role as a judge on the popular talent show, My Star, where he shared his expertise and passion for the art form with aspiring artists.

He gained international recognition with features on BBC News and the prominent UK newspaper, The Echo.

However, his journey has not been without challenges. While performing in the streets of the UK, he was discouraged to find that his fellow countrymen often walked past without stopping to listen, despite his soulful melodies sung in their own language.

“I thought being in the UK would mean support from fellow Batswana. Yet, it was the British, Indian and Italian audiences who stopped to engage and dance to my music. This experience highlighted a sad reality: it is not about the country, but the lack of support among our own people,” he lamented.

His experiences resonate deeply within the Botswana music community where many artistes grapple with feelings of exploitation and inadequate recognition.

Inspired by his journey, Gappy  Roberts has returned to Botswana with a mission to uplift and educate aspiring musicians.

In November, he is set to launch, The Ultimate RnB Festival, an event dedicated to promoting urban music in Botswana that could compete internationally and also to bring together artistes and music lovers, fostering a sense of community and support among local talent.

His story serves as both a warning and a rallying cry, urging his fellow countrymen to unite and support one another in their artistic endeavours.

“In a world where music is a universal language, let us come together to celebrate our roots and elevate the Botswana sound on the global stage. Botswana’s music landscape is poised for transformation, thanks to my journey,” he said.

Fresh from performances in France, Spain, Brazil, London, and Kenya, he is set to bring his unique sound back home, promoting his highly anticipated album, Before I Made It.

The album intertwines RnB with rich Setswana culture, showcasing the depth and diversity of Botswana’s musical heritage.

As he embarks on this next chapter, he is not just a performer but also a visionary.

His upcoming documentary aims to serve as edu-tainment, for African children, spreading messages of hope and inspiration that resonates across generations.

As he continues to tour, he stands as a symbol of resilience and creativity, embodying the spirit of his beloved Botswana.

“In a world where dreams often feel constrained, I stand as a beacon of hope for aspiring artistes in Botswana. With my sights set on global stages, I embody passion and resilience, ready to break barriers as Botswana’s first international star,” he said.

By fostering unity and creating opportunities for the voiceless, Gappy leads the charge in transforming the music industry. ENDS