07 May 2026

Makaleng-born rhumba sensation, Oscar Chakabuya, has made a vibrant return to the music scene with a six-track dance album titled Bata Bina.

The project features renowned artistes, including Ke Lela le Lona hitmaker, Franco, and Francis ‘Coming Soon’ Kalwa.

 “All tracks in Bata Bina are meant to make people dance. That is the message throughout the album,” he said in an interview.

Franco’s signature flair stands out on the title track Bata Bina, while Coming Soon appears on Loba Generique, adding depth to the album’s rich rhumba sound.

The seasoned musician, now with six albums under his name, described music as an innate gift rather than a learned skill.

“I have never gone to school to learn music. It is in my DNA. I play drums, keyboard and bass guitar,” he said.

Bata Bina embraces a soukous-inspired style, blending rhythmic beats with energetic melodies that celebrate African musical identity. 

The album’s lively tempo and layered instrumentation creates an atmosphere of joy and escapism, offering listeners a sense of comfort amid everyday challenges.

Chakabuya revealed that his passion for music began to fully manifest in 2002. 

Over the years, he has built his reputation by working alongside some of Botswana’s notable artistes, including Culture Spears, Charma Gal, Extra Melody, Slizer and the late Biza Mupulu of Tsena Mo Dijong fame.

A versatile performer, Chakabuya is a vocalist, dancer and instrumentalist whose musical journey mirrors that of legendary Congolese guitarist Dally Kimoko, known for shaping rhumba and soukous sounds across Africa.

He has collaborated with a wide range of local heavyweights such as Alfredo Mos, Franco and the late Jeff Matheatau, among others.

One of his most memorable career highlights, he said, was sharing the stage with icons like Johnny Mokhali, Franco, Alfredoand Matheatau during the Kwambala Music Festival in Francistown.

“It was a big moment performing alongside such legends and competing for the audience’s attention,” he recalled.

Chakabuya also emphasised the importance of nurturing talent locally, noting that Botswana has immense untapped potential, which can be saved from unemployment and drug abuse if it is given enough support.

Fans have also expressed admiration for his journey and dedication with Shalulani Jerome Mphakane from Tutume, who has followed Chakabuya’s career since 2008, praising his consistency and growth.

“He has always shown determination, from his early days supporting other artistes to becoming a solo artiste with six albums,” he said.

Another supporter, Frank Sesinyi, described Chakabuya as focused, humble and passionate about rhumba music and also open to working with others, supporting them by offering affordable studio services.

Music lovers are now eagerly anticipating Chakabuya’s live performances, particularly his signature Likomba dance moves, which have become a favourite among fans. BOPA