26 Jan 2020

 After days of passing rumour and shooting arrows in the dark, Lepako, as Frank Lesokwane is fondly known in music circles, has set the record straight that indeed he intends to fill the National Stadium to the brim.

Franco made the revelation in a media briefing on January 24. 

Perhaps the Soul Fill Up with Franco music festival slated for April 4 is a perfect break for his legion of fans to savour the fond memories from captivating songs from his mouthwatering discography.

The music festival has drawn a flood of social media messages of support and praise for the Gabane-born musician who has indeed stood the test of time.

Since news broke, social media has been abuzz with fans and well-wishers sharing what they considered to be their best memories with him.

In the history of local music there are not many examples of artistes who have survived two decades in the industry. Against all odds, Franco has managed to maintain a successful music career.

“Ke a le totobaletsa gore lebala lele le ya go tlala thiiii!!....ke paletse dilo tse dintsi, ha e kake ya re ke paletse poison ka palelwa ke tse dingwe…” Franco confidently told a packed conference room at Masa Square Hotel.

Franco is still revered for his neatly arranged lyrics, strikingly clear vocals, which are always perfectly in tune and always aimed at hitting some unscrupulous members of the society.

Every time he strides on stage, Afro Musica, his musical ensemble turns up the heat and he twists and turns with carefully choreographed moves sending his fans into rows of wild excitement.

The self-acclaimed rhumba king does not come from a musical family but the army barracks became a launching pad for him.

It was the stewardship of the late Malombo Mmereki, the late Tsilo Baitsile and renowned saxophonist, Lister Boleseng, amongst other members of the popular 80s BDF Band, who molded him. The first artiste Frank met on his musical sojourn was a certain recording artiste named, Nathaniel Mwamboma and that was when his career hit the ground running.

They recorded two great albums Bula Matlho and Dumelang.

After a short stint with Nata Capricorn as Mwamboma was affectionately known in music circles, Franco joined Les Afrika Sounds and scored equal success mostly due to his already famous moniker ‘Lepako’ and charismatic stage presence.

Within a short time Franco was on studio with Alfred Mosimanegape of Les Afrika Sounds to record a chart topping album Ipabalelo Tseleng and soon afterwards they also did Tsena Mo Y2K together.

Franco made a massive turn around with his highly coveted album Ke Lela le lona his efforts were much admired beyond borders.The lowest moment of his career came when members of his band resigned en masse but by then Franco was such a sensation the loss did little damage.

Talented as he was, he immediately penned a song called Phutha merwalo.

The Ke Lela Le Lona hitmaker is a singer, dancer, producer and composer, who had spent the past 20 years as a band leader and in the process recording 17 albums with equal success.

Some of the top charting albums include, among others, Robala Nnana, Mmamane robala, Sephiri se dule and Zeng Zeng ke eng.

He has undoubtedly revived the rhumba genre, which had sadly faded away. It remains to be seen whether the Soul Fill up concert will ignite the old spark.

Part of the proceeds from the festival will assist people living with disabilities.

According to the festival medial liaison officer, Mox Gaolape tickets will be on sale starting today.

Early bird ticket goes for P100 until Valentine’s Day then P150 afterwards. No tickets will be sold at the National Stadium. 

He said the lineup of supporting acts was not yet confirmed but promised a mouthwatering 100 per cent local act. ENDS