13 Jun 2018

For years, many music enthusiasts have been wondering about the whereabouts of the talented traditional music icon, Segomotso Nkgomo, otherwise known as ‘Kgobola’ or ‘Mr Chinese’.

BOPA chanced upon the 58-year-old who recorded his first album way back in 1998 dubbed Mr Chinese with hit songs like Bakgalagadi lotlhe amongst others, and he gave an assurance that he was still in the music industry despite his long hibernation.

In 2012, the man who has inspired many outfits like Machesa Traditional Group recorded his second and last album named Chobolo before dropping down from the music scene for a long break.

“I can however, assure my fans that I am planning a comeback soon. I am working on a six-track gospel traditional album dubbed Bodhagari which features songs like Calvary, Saatane and Batlhabanedi ba Jeso,” he said.

He said the album reflects his comeback to the music industry as a man of God, and added that the album, which he hopes will bring back his fans, is now out in the market.

Despite being a household name, Kgobola said he has not managed to make any living from his immense talent, and that after being disappointed by failure to make it big in the music industry, the album will be used as a gauge on whether to still carry on or retire from the industry.

“I will leave this industry if the album does not sell. Some copies are already out to radio stations and we are still cutting more for sale as there is insufficient funds,” he said.

Kgobola further explained that he is helping upcoming artistes and said any kind of assistance in starting a tutoring programme for these artistes to succeed would be welcome.

Apart from his renowned collaboration with Machesa Traditional Group, Kgobola has also worked with groups like Mokorwana Cultural Group, Sthepha, Gaone Tshoganetso and Nkange Disco Stars amongst others.“During those times there were no CDs or memory sticks to easily pirate our music,” he said, and urged upcoming artistes to wise up as the industry ‘is very tricky.’..ENDS