16 May 2021

Maun-based artiste, Onalethata Ntema  affectionately  known as ‘Mambo’ has dropped a new 22-track dancehall album titled, Stranger.

In an interview recently, the 36-year-old, Ntema revealed that the album had already hit the shelves of Gaborone and Maun malls and doing exceptionally well.

The album, he said would soon be availed online in platforms such as I-tunes and Sound Cloud.

He also said the album was produced at Hashtag Music Studio in Kasane by one Mogomotsi Moshongo adding that some of the hits featured the best local artistes citing the likes of Kelebogile Mabua known as HT Tautona in the music circle.

The multi-talented artiste revealed that the album carried strong message aimed to promote peace, unity, socialisation among the society and raised awareness about issues of gender based violence.

Some of the songs, he said cautioned youth to refrain from bad habits, which could destroy their future.

Ntema also explained that some songs promoted cultural preservation as they were spiced with the use of indigenous languages such Shembukushu, Seyeyi and Sesubiya.

He pointed out that he sings various genres of music such as traditional music and reggae as his intention was to deliver messages in different ways in order to transform people’s live and preserve culture and traditions.

Ntema noted that his passion for music started in 2004 while he was still a student at Maun Senior Secondary School as he was talented in singing.

Inspired by some of the local and international artistes such as HT Tautona, Sereetsi & The Natives and Sizzla from Jamaica his love for music is on levels.

Ntema also explained that his love for music had exposed him to international stages as he performed in Germany, Zambia, Zimbabwe and South Africa where he gained an overwhelming support.

He also participated in local events such as Presidential Day Competitions and crowned one of the best youth in promoting culture and heritage in 2017 Botswana Youth Awards.

In order to grow his talent, he had introduced an annual music festival called ‘One river one people’ held in Kasane noting that the event aimed to promote tourism and culture.Ntema appealed to other young people to explore their talents and help reduce unemployment.

“Art is an economic commodity that can sustain livelihoods hence we should take it serious.

I would like to appeal to the government to continue supporting local artists so that they can grow their brands beyond borders”, he said. ENDS