15 Aug 2018

Thatayaone Mokgatitswane, popularly known as Mike has dished a five-track album named Yahweh Rohi, which has kept local gospel jazz lovers on their feet.

The album, released earlier this year, has been well received from gospel jazz lovers and its selling like fat cakes.

“I am overwhelmed by the reception of the album, considering that it is the first album I have released” he said.

The Lobatse born artiste said Yahweh Rohi means Jehovah is my shepard, which is derived from Psalm 23 and was inspired by David, who portrays God as  a Shepard who looks after his flocks.

Mike also said the song praises God proclaiming his prominence and his greatness.

Other songs in the album include Munamato we Zimbabwe, which is a prayer to God to restore the country and to heal it.

The album was recorded, mixed and mastered at Pumi Sound Studios and was arranged by Maleho Makgothi, whom he described as an amazing sound engineer.

He said he has also worked with One Sejakgomo, Neo Batshogile on vocals and with Shepherd ‘Spiro Keys’ on keyboards.

Mike has an interesting and phenomenal musical journey.

The self-taught bassist started his journey by learning music in church as a key board player and a drummer in the praise and worship team at Apostolic Faith Mission in Lobatse.

“Growing up in a Christian and a musical family jellied the art and passion for music,” he said.

While serving in the house of the Lord, Mike said he began to develop some passion to play bass guitar under the influence of his mentor, Victor Kokwe, who was the bass guitarist in the church at the time.

After discovering himself, he took his passion serious by exploring different dimensions and other music genres outside gospel.

Mike was recognised by a local afro jazz artiste Kagiso Mangole and began working with him and later got his break into the local music industry.

Mike says with the musical exposure he got he then decided to make a profession out of playing the guitar.

His career achievements include working with the award-winning Tomeletso Sereetsi and the Natives, Pitch Perfect live band, Prestige Praise, The Metrophones, and Tshegofatso Kwadiba among others.

Mike has the privilege to share stage with international performers such as Bhudhaza, who performed at the annual Maitisong music festival hosted by the Metrophones in 2015.

With his growing experience, Mike established himself as a professional bassist and kick started the year 2018 with his own album. ENDS