16 Feb 2014

One of Botswana’s upcoming artistes, Onkemetse Monyere known as Ezebizo, has released a sizzling traditional music album titled Bagaka subtitled Paying tribute to the grandfather of democracy.

In an interview, the artiste who hails from Gabane explained that the name Bagaka meant heroes in the society and it was released on January 2, 2014 and contains nine tracks. The album would soon hit shelves and airwaves of different radio stations across the country. According to the artiste the album will hit shelves in March 2014. Ezebizo said he is optimistic that the album will be on every Motswana’slips.

He explained that he ventured into traditional dance during his days at junior school where he was a dancer at Nare-Sereto Secondary School until his days at ST. Joseph’s College. He added that he joined Serite, a traditional dance troupe in the village which by then emerged victorious countrywide in traditional dance competitions. Monyere began his music career as a solo artist in 2012 thus dropping a single.

In collaboration with his producer, KudzeriKumakili, they produced the album Bagaka in 2013 until its release in January 2014. The album consists of nine songs such as Rre Mandela, Ian Khama, Haiti, E kae puso, Re Banna tota. Bagaka was recorded at KK music Productions by Mr KudzeriKumakili.

Other tracks in the album are Re amogeleng, Maruping, Kontsweng and Banna. He outlined the main traditional dance genre focused on Phathisi. Ezebizo explained that with the album Bagaka, he is paving his way to this year’s President’s Day holiday arts and music competitions where he will unleash his talent.

Ezebizo had performed in music festivals with other local artists such as Franco. He is enthusiastic about taking his music career to a higher level. Ezebizo said he will be perfoming in South-Africa in one of SABC1’s traditional music shows, The Roots on February 22, 2014. Ezebizo noted that despite being handicapped financially he managed to record and produce the album.

He stressed that the album is dedicated to heroes citing former South-African President, the late Nelson Mandela, President Lieutenant General Seretse Khama Ian Khama and all Bagaka men countrywide. He said it takes a lot of courage to excel in music and advised the youth to have determination and follow their dreams. He stated that youngsters should seek education first because it is the foundation of every career. Ends