15 Mar 2020

Ramotswa-born, Thuto Mosomane alias Letona La Poko’s six-track Setswana poetry album dubbed, Gaabo Motho is making rounds in local entertainment circles.

The Gaabo Motho is all about various emotion-evoking poetry pieces, performed to the accompaniment of the keyboard and guitar, the beat of drums, the sweet melody of song and, of course ululations. 

Letona la Poko’s finesse can never be second guessed, and undoubtedly in the right direction of being titled the pioneer of Setswana poetry. 

He revealed in an interview his flexibility in creating works that goes with the mood.

“Through my poems, I can express any mood, be it a happy one or sad one, I can speak against something and so on. 

When it comes to poetry I have no limits or comfort zones,” he said speaking about his album that hit shelves in October last year. 

Gaabo Motho album is heavily messaged and recaps the importance of being proud of one’s origins and be cognizant that there is no place like home. 

“No matter where we may find ourselves around the world, one still know who they are, they should never forget where they came from. I strive to keep the Tswana spirit alive through the poems.”

As is the norm for Setswana poetry, humour is found in the same piece, the album is a hook and nice to listen to the whole project.

Also there is a classic feel of Nnunu Ramogotsi’s voice, featured in the Ga Mmangwato, which brings out that modernistic in the Setswana poetry making it interesting and great listen as well.

Besides the album, he has also done some projects, which were shared through his social media platforms, paying tributes to the late stateman, Sir Ketumile Masire, the South African musician, Jabulani Tsambo aka HHP, Zimbabwe president, Robert Mugabe, Bishop Setlalekgosi and BDF pilot, Cliff Manyuni.

“There are other poems that I made raising awareness on different issues in our country; for me, im not reciting poems for fun but also to relay messages to Batswana on certain issues,” he said.

The album is already in the market and cost P100. 

The sensational poet has been featured on various shows, including Kgosi Kgafela’s 10-year anniversary at Moruleng, Mmakgodumo Cultural Festival and Women of Jazz, and did a collabo called Goroga ka Pula song, which is a dedication to the current president.

The album was recorded and mastered by Live Wire studio in Ramotswa by Chantty Natural and Moeti Motsumi. 

A Roman Catholic  seminarian Letona la Poko  draws inspiration from the legendary poet Moroka Moreri and his grandmother Motlalepula Mosomane, who has imparted most of the Setswana linguistic words in his creations.

His grandmother’s usage of deep setswana words and melodious ululations kindles his creative mind and when Mosomane attends any event, be it a wedding or any other event, most people remembers her for her ululation.  

In addition, Letona la Poko expressed gratitude towards his followers for the love and support. Ends