16 Jun 2021

Kanye-born traditional music artiste, Gape Bame has released an eight-track album titled, Tumanosi.

This is his third project after his popular six-track album with Dipilara tsa ga Ngwaketse and his Chaba Di Maketse single released last year for the FNB competition.

The album, which comprises seven traditional dikhwaere songs and one wedding dance song, was recorded at VGK Studios in Mogoditshane.

In an interview, he said he decided to release the album at a time when the music industry was facing challenges as a way of keeping the fire burning until the industry opens up.

He said due to financial constraints, he was financed by supporters to ensure that he stayed in the game amidst COVID-19 effects.

“I long compiled these songs but due to the current challenges I could not afford to record the album.

However, two of my staunch supporters collectively sponsored the project and I want to use it to motivate fellow artistes to keep trying despite our current predicaments.

I also want to remind my supporters that I still exist even though out industry has suffered a big blow.

We need to keep pushing because the industry needs us post COVID-19,” he said.

Bame said since its release on May 25, the sales were slow due to COVID-19 regulations, which prohibited large gatherings.

He noted that so far, he had sold 100 CDs and was still in the process of distributing the songs through other media such as caller tunes.

Despite the challenges, the 36-year-old said he had managed to enter this year’s BOMU awards and was awaiting nomination outcome.

He also intended to cut more CDs and start promotional tours at shopping malls.

He pleaded with Batswana to support music industry and desist from piracy, which had adverse effects on the local arts.

The first and fourth tracks, Mmamoratwa and Segokgo are self-glorifying songs in which the artiste speaks about the love he continues to receive from legion of fans.

He also describes himself as a dynamite that comes in a small package, able to persevere despite the challenges in the industry.

The sixth song, Maatla is a religious song in which he asks God to give him strength to keep pushing and sharing his talent with Batswana.

Lalavuka, the last track, gives hope to fellow artistes that they will be able to rise and rejoice once the industry opens up. ENDS