04 Feb 2020

What my eyes cannot see, my hands can feel is the subtle message that guitarist Gaoabiwe Thapson of Maun was putting across when he launched his albums over time, the sixth dubbed Mareledi, being the last of his offering in Maun over the weekend.

The 47-year-old man with vision impairment has once more presented an album, which was mixed, mastered and recorded at CMD records in Maun. He believes that his seven-track album, launched at his Head Mountain God Apostolic Church is a gift from God.

Thapson started singing in 1997 after a Good Samaritan blessed him with a guitar after realising his singing talent.

He pointed out that through his hard work and determination he has won two awards from Botswana Music Awards some few years ago under the category of Best Folklore artiste.

He also pointed out that he participates in annual presidential awards as a platform for reaching out to the masses.

Through Mareledi, Thapson wants people to embrace the life obstacles, and not miss lessons to be learnt from such.

“My wish is to form a band and to have my own studio so that I do not hassle for a studio,” said Thapson.

He appealed for sponsorship from different stakeholders to grow his music.

Thapson also urged the government to support him financially or rope him into official events for exposure.

“It’s discouraging that while different government departments within Maun hold multiple events they prefer artistes from outside the village while we are available locally and can perform equally  well,” Thapson said.

He revealed that currently he does not have anyone to market his music, hence he only displays his CDs at the malls.

“Besides the challenges I have, I am getting much support from my church. By offering me a venue to launch my album, they motivate me and they even buy my CDs in large numbers,” Thapson said.

On a positive note, Thapson said he has a programme in which he teaches young people how to play a guitar.  

When giving Thapson a word of motivation and encouragement before the congregation, Arch Bishop Gabaibitsiwe Mathemba of Ninifi Apostolic Mission Church said that Thapson was a gift from God and the society was lucky to have a person of his calibre.

He also encouraged the attendants to keep on supporting Thapson by patronising his album.

“Thapson is a blessing as his music changes people’s lives, therefore he should be motivated to thrive in music,” said Arch Bishop Mathemba.. ENDS