07 Aug 2025

Botswana’s vibrant music scene is about to get louder with the anticipated debut EP from Skiddo-Pantsotsi 925, the stage name of Tevin Seeleko.

Born and raised in Thamaga, the artiste is preparing to release a five-track EP titled iKwaitoLento by the end of October. Seeleko shared that his journey to the world of music began during his childhood. 

“I started writing music when I was doing Standard Five. I drew inspiration from singing along to legends like Brown Dash, Mzekezeke, Zola, Mandoza, Msawawa, Izinyoka Group and many others,” he said.

Although he started as a writer, Seeleko transitioned to recording music in 2014 as part of a group called Amavandal. He credits not only the artistes he grew up listening to, but also the environments he lived in, particularly Old Naledi aka Zola in Gaborone for shaping his musical style.

The EP will feature five tracks: iKwaitoLento, Phalaza, iMali (feat. TinermanKwaito & Skhettinah), Lesgubu (feat. Amakwaitosi & Nkamo) as well as Ngphakathi. According to Seeleko, the EP is a blend of Kwaito and Amapiano, the genres that continue to dominate Southern African dance floors.

“I wanted to create something for the people. Piano is the sound they love now, so I fused it with Kwaito to keep the genre alive. iKwaitoLento literally means ‘this is Kwaito,’ a reminder that despite the evolution of sound, Kwaito is still at the heart of it,” he said. 

He revealed that his music had a strong spiritual foundation. While many have encouraged him to write in Setswana, he continues to write in Zulu. 

 “I have not achieved much yet, but I’m proud to have performed at the DBS Roadshow last year and at one of the biggest events in Thamaga, the Into Africa Picnic Festival.”

However, the road has not been smooth citing lack of booking opportunities and limited radio airplay as major setbacks. 

“Sometimes I have to ask promoters for performance slots, and that means I don’t get the same VIP treatment as other artistes.”

In an appeal to promoters, he urged them to support emerging artistes. 

“Please be patient with us and give us a chance to showcase our talents. My goal is to take Botswana music to greater heights and raise our flag high.”

To parents and guardians, he urged them to support their dreams. With iKwaitoLento on the horizon, Skiddo-Pantsotsi 925 hopes to make not just a musical mark, but a cultural one, bridging genres, languages and generations through the sound that resonates beyond borders. ENDS