18 Mar 2020

After a hiatus, the Shorobe-born Monaga Molefi aka Stiga Sola, is back with two new albums expected to be launched soon.

The traditional music legend’s last album was released in 2010.

In an interview, Stiga Sola, who plays Afro Jazz, said  his intention was to launch the two albums as soon as he finds a suitable date. 

He stated that he was included in Franco’s Soul Fill Up music festival lineup, and was all fired up to mesmerise the audience with his old songs such as; Ba duma ka ene, Katshire, Macapentara and others. 

However, the festival was postponed due to COVID-19 scare. 

Nonetheless, Stiga Sola said he appreciates that many music enthusiasts still enjoy his music and he thanked other radio stations that still play his music.

He described the two new albums, which have eight songs each, as hits, noting that music lovers would not regret buying them. 

He stated that one of the best songs in the album, Corruption, carried a strong message, encouraging all Batswana to fight corruption, as it affects the economy.

Another song, Driver encourages people to trace back their roots or go back home when life or situations become challenging.  

Stiga Sola admitted that he had been on a break for a long time, due piracy, saying that had impacted negatively on the music industry. 

“My last album Ko morakeng, was released in 2010 and people loved it, but I did not distribute it adequately because of piracy,” he said.

He said he did not see the music industry as a profitable sector, hence he had not been releasing albums, but stated that he had been engaged in community activities and featuring in music festivals.

He maintained that the issue of piracy had harmed the industry, as many were running at a loss, adding that going forward, he intends to produce singles.

He appreciated Copyright Society of Botswana (COSBOTS)’s efforts to protect their works, but stated that a lot had to be done to address the situation, as people continue to copy others’ works and earn a living out of it.

Meanwhile, in previous years, Stiga Sola dominated and became a regular feature on the music scene at festivals, competitions and corporate activities. 

He inspired many other musicians who came after him, whilst instilling a sense of cultural pride, amongst many Batswana, through his traditional music and dance.

He revealed that taking a long break had given him an opportunity to re-organise himself and his career, adding that the two new albums were an indication of how creative he could be.

“I am back and prepared to take many by surprise. 

I know many have been questioning my whereabouts and I can assure them that the guitar man is back with a bang,” he added with a smile. 

Stiger Sola called for the public to continue supporting local music and also urged them to stop piracy. Ends