12 Feb 2026

The Molepolole-based traditional ensemble, Mmurubele has made a comeback with a  latest single, Naka la Mpa, directly translated as, the horn of the stomach.

True to their style, Mmurubele delivers a sound that is both deeply rooted in tradition and refreshingly modern.

A long-serving member, Motshabi ‘Tshabisto’ Moloi, explained that the single was chosen to pave the way for their upcoming album, though she deliberately kept details under wraps to stir curiosity among fans.

“The song is self-explanatory,” she teased, leaving listeners to interpret its layered meaning for themselves, a hallmark of Setswana traditional music that thrives on parables and open-ended storytelling.

Produced and engineered by their trusted collaborator, Uncle Touch of Touch Records, Naka la Mpa blends parabolic messages with irresistible African beats.

Its choruses and leads are a reminder that Mmurubele’s traditional spark is far from fading, despite skeptics who feared Setswana rhythms might lose their edge in the digital age.

For nearly 18 years, the quartet; Moloi, Tumiso ‘Stuks’ Ntona, Boago Motlhabakgomo, and Gaone Ramonato, have carried the torch of setswana culture.

Their journey began in 2008 under the mentorship of the legendary Eric Ramco, and they quickly carved out a space in a male-dominated industry with their debut album Puo ya Mme Kopelo.

Tracks like, Ditjompi, and Ke Mmaago Mmaago Ngwanaka, not only dominated local airwaves but also resonated across South Africa, cementing their reputation as cultural ambassadors.

Their artistry is not confined to sound alone. On stage, Mmurubele embodies heritage through leather outfits, beadwork, crisscrossed sandals, and leg rattles, a visual spectacle that amplifies their music’s authenticity.

 This fusion of performance and tradition has kept them relevant across eras, from the cassette-to-CD transition to today’s streaming platforms like Apple Music, Spotify, and Deezer.

In 2024, their eight-track album, Botshelo, earned them the Best Contemporary Music Award at the Botswana Music Union (BOMU), proving their ability to evolve while staying true to their roots.

Singles like, Mokwena (2023) and Domi (2024), further showcased their versatility, each release reinforcing their status as icons of Setswana culture. BOPA