After their 2024 single titled Digwabanyana, Makwakwa A Mmino Traditional Group has released Mathumpu, an eight-track album that reaffirms how deeply Setswana culture is woven into the DNA of this Gaborone-based ensemble.

Richly layered with Tswana proverbs and everyday reflections of a typical Motswana, the album demonstrates expert songwriting and cultural insight.

Formed from the merger of two iconic 1990s traditional dance groups, Mogwana and Ditholwana, Makwakwa continues to energise the music industry with vibrant cultural rhythms.

Their earlier hits, including Makwakwa ke ao, Nkopelele pina and Tsholetsa makgabe kgarebe (the 2014 Song of the Year award winner) cemented their reputation as a true-to-type cultural ensemble.

Mathumpu expands that legacy, blending Setswana with Kalanga, Shona, and Shekgalagari to celebrate indigenous languages and showcase African cultural unity.

The group’s publicist, also a member, Tshepo Molate, describes the project as more than music: “through this project, we aim to preserve and promote traditional rhythms, language, and messages that connect generations. Each song carries themes of unity, pride, resilience, hope, and behaviour change.”

Molate emphasised that Mathumpu reflects hard work, passion, and commitment to keeping Tswana tradition alive in a modern world.

Title Track – Mathumpu: led by Keromemang ‘Carrot’ Mothibamele,  delivers a powerful call to end drug addiction, a growing societal challenge.

In Nka bona motho, Tshepo ‘JohnP’ Molate, narrates the search of a bachelor longing for his soulmate.

Re bina Setswana is a proud celebration of Tswana culture, fusing dikhwaere rhythms with borankana and enriched by Dr. Tawanda’s Shona flair whileMmaonikis is a poignant tale of heartbreak and resilience, portraying a woman abandoned with children.

Tonki  is  playful yet respectful ode to the donkey, a vital companion in African daily life. The track Lenyalo encourages married couples to honour their vows through challenges while Le bo mang introduces the group and affirms their pride in cultural roots.

Banyana sesadi is closing tribute to women as life-givers and nurturers.

Makwakwa comprises nine members; Bakang Motlhajwa, Tshepho Gabatlhokwe, Tshepo ‘JohnP’ Molate, Meshack Moraloki, Stiger Kgaodi, Mompoloki Ntlaboletsa, Keromemang Mothibamele, Tumelo Seroke, and Tebogo Kolobeng, representing diverse cultures across Botswana.

Their performances are marked by high energy, breathtaking dance moves, and powerful stage presence.

Produced by music maestro Tawanda ‘Dr Tawanda’ Benson, Mathumpu sustains Makwakwa’s original punch while adapting to contemporary sounds.

Since their debut album, A le botshe (2009), followed by A palameletse (2013) and Le letse kae (2016), the group has consistently evolved while staying rooted in tradition.

Seventeen years since formation, Makwakwa has carried Tswana culture beyond Botswana’s borders, reaching out in countries such as the USA and India.

Their latest project, recorded at Mega Bass Studio in Mafikeng, South Africa, is now available on Spotify, Apple Music, Boomplay, Google Play, and TikTok.

With Mathumpu, Makwakwa reaffirms its place as a household name and cultural torchbearer, proving that traditional rhythms can thrive in modern times. ENDS