28 May 2026

Afro-disco musician, Samson Seonyatseng, popularly known as Dan Buthelezi is working on his third album titled, Edanyane.

The Edanyane album, which translates to Prison, highlights the plight of innocent people who are falsely incarcerated. It also calls for justice for the underprivileged.

Dan Buthelezi officially ventured into the music industry in 2014, but his journey started on a back slide when his debut six-track album, Mmamalebogo, was stolen before its release.

Following the setback, Dan Buthelezi joined musician Onneile Ounah Kgosimore as a backing vocalist and dancer. After leaving the label, he returned to his solo career and began preparing another project.

In 2021, he released his second album titled Bantwana, a seven-track project that encourages fathers to take responsibility for their children.

Although he occasionally blends house kwasa influences into his sound, Dan Buthelezi says afro disco remains his core style, heavily inspired by Dalom music legends such as Daniel Tshanda and Thabile Mazolwane.

His upcoming album has standout tracks such as Botsotsi Ba Maloba, a lively dance song expected to keep music lovers on their feet.

Another emotionally touching song, Gi ba khumbula abazali bami, is dedicated to his late parents after losing them at a young age and growing up as an orphan.

The album also features disco vocalist Tshepiso “Venda Gal” Selato. Production, recording, engineering and mastering were handled by veteran producers Reuben “Lerwaza” Kekana and the late Simon Chisko.

Despite having a relatively small following, Dan Buthelezi believes his music continues to improve with every release. He said the music industry requires determination, hard work and consistent publicity to build a strong brand.

To combat piracy, Dan Buthelezi introduced digital copyright protection measures, particularly on USB copies, making it difficult for buyers to duplicate his music illegally.

“This is how I fight piracy because people are forced to buy original copies from me. The strategy works well with USB distribution,” he explained.

He also acknowledged the importance of online platforms such as social media and digital sales in helping artists reach wider audiences.

Dan Buthelezi said his music is gaining recognition beyond Botswana, particularly in Namibia and South Africa, where he is expected to collaborate with some of their artists during the course of the year.

He further revealed that South African afro disco heavyweight Mpho Majika had shown interest in working with him, something he considers a sign of progress in his career.

He encourages collaborations between upcoming and established artists, saying they help elevate musicians’ profiles and expand their fan base.

However, Dan Buthelezi also raised concern over exploitation in the music industry, saying some promoters and producers take advantage of upcoming artists by denying them payment after performances.

“Some invite artists to perform several times without paying them, even when events are successful, that discourages artists and slows their growth. Government intervention is needed to protect musicians from exploitation,” he said.

He also criticised unequal airplay on local radio and television stations, arguing that only a few artists receive consistent exposure while many talented musicians remain unheard.

However, Dan Buthelezi says poor management and rushed music releases are among the biggest challenges affecting afro disco artists locally.

He advised fellow musicians to spend more time rehearsing, conducting listening sessions and refining their work before releasing music.

“To produce quality music that can last and cross borders, artists must take time to perfect their craft,” he advised.

Dan Buthelezi further encouraged local artists to pursue international collaborations in order to expand their reach and strengthen Botswana’s music industry.

Even though still working on expanding his support base, Dan Buthelezi’s music has find its way into the hearts of some local supporters.

Kago Khumoyagae said he first heard of Dan Buthelezi relating how his first album, Mmamalebogo got stolen before release and immediately realised that a unique talent was emerging in Botswana’s music scene.

“His music is outstanding. At first, I thought he was part of the Dalom stable in South Africa,” he said.

Another fan, Teko Masielane from Mogoditshane Block 9, described Dan Buthelezi’s music as timeless afro disco that would remain relevant for years to come.ENDS