22 Jul 2026

As the gentle sound of a guitar echoes through the streets of Hukuntsi, passersby reduced their pace, some humming along, while others pause to listen. 

For a few moments, the worries of everyday life seem to disappear as music fills the air. It is a scene that has become familiar in the village and beyond, where local guitarist, 51-year-old Lokgwabe native, Ohalotse Kgaje, affectionately known as Thaks, continues to captivate audiences with heartfelt melodies born of passion, perseverance and lived experience.

Like many grassroots musicians across Botswana, Kgaje performs wherever opportunities arise.

From shopping complexes and community celebrations to private homes and social gatherings, he uses his music to entertain, inspire and bring smiles to people from all walks of life. Yet, behind every performance lies a reality shared by many local artistes: a life of uncertainty, where exceptional talent often goes unrewarded and financial stability remains elusive. Although music has become his primary source of income, the proceeds are rarely enough to sustain him or provide the financial security needed to support his family. Most performances earn only modest payments, leaving him to rely largely on the goodwill of community members who appreciate his artistry.

Despite these challenges, Kgaje has never allowed hardship to diminish his love for music. Instead, it has strengthened his determination to continue doing what he loves most and to use music to uplift others.

“Music is part of who I am. Even when there is little money, I cannot stop playing because I know there are people whose day becomes brighter after listening to my songs,” he said. 

His journey began long before he ever held a modern guitar.

Growing up and spending much of his childhood herding cattle at cattle posts, access to musical instruments was almost impossible. 

Rather than allowing his circumstances to define him, he improvised. Using a five-litre tin, pieces of wood and strings, he fashioned a traditional homemade guitar known as lekapanyana. 

It was with this simple instrument that he learnt the basics of playing and nurtured the dream that would later define his life. “I always admired people who could play the guitar. I told myself that one day I would also learn, even if I did not have a real instrument.” 

His determination eventually paid off when friends introduced him to a modern guitar, opening a new chapter in his musical journey.

As his skills improved, so did his confidence. He credits legendary Botswana guitarists, Johnny Kobedi, Stampore, Bonjo Keipidile and Ras Logic among the artistes who inspired him to persevere.

Listening to their music on Radio Botswana convinced him that, with dedication and patience, he too could carve a place for himself in the country’s music industry. 

Today, Kgaje has developed a distinctive style rooted in originality. 

Rather than relying on popular cover songs, he prefers performing his own compositions, believing they allow him to express his experiences, emotions and observations about everyday life.

Among the songs he holds closest to his heart are Motsetsi oa Tsena and Modimo O Re File Sebakanyana Se, compositions that have become audience favourites wherever he performs.

“I enjoy singing my own songs because they tell my story. People connect with them because they speak about life as we know it,” he said.  Although he has written numerous songs over the years, recording them remains beyond his financial reach. “My dream is to release an album so that more people across Botswana can hear my music. The songs are there, but recording requires money for studio time, production and distribution. That is the biggest challenge.” 

Even without a recorded album, his reputation continues to grow through live performances.

Residents frequently invite him to perform at their homes during family celebrations or simply to entertain guests.

 Others seek him out after hearing him perform in public, offering small payments in appreciation of his music.

While the income is modest, Kgaje said the appreciation shown by his audiences meant more to him than the money itself.

“There is no greater reward than seeing people smiling, singing along or forgetting their problems for a while because of my music. 

That is what motivates me to keep going.”  He believed Botswana was blessed with many talented musicians whose potential remained untapped because of limited financial support and inadequate opportunities to develop their careers.

Kgaje therefore appealed to stakeholders, private sector and the public to invest more in local artistes by supporting live performances,purchasing locally produced music and creating programmes that could help musicians access recording facilities and professional development. He said nurturing local talent would not only improve artistes’ livelihoods but also preserved Botswana’s rich musical heritage for future generations.

For Kgaje, every note played on his guitar represented more than music, it is a story of hope, resilience and unwavering determination. 

 As long as there are ears willing to listen and hearts willing to be touched, Thaks will continue doing what he loves most: turning life’s ordinary moments into melodies that bring comfort, joy and inspiration. ENDS