28 Jun 2021

Remember Suggie Fisher, the gospel singer of Ikokobetse fame?

The versatile artiste has been missing in action and now she is back, now offering Jazz-Afro fusion.

The nine-track album, titled African Diamond, was recorded and produced by Shathiso Aron at Sound Hub Records studio in Gaborone, she told BOPA in an interview recently.

The title track African Diamond speaks about the beauty of Africans and their land that is endowed with natural resources.

Through the song, she said she called for unity among people despite being from different geographical areas. The track discourages discrimination and stigma among people under any given circumstances, said the phenomenal singer.

“We have been challenged in several ways, and the recent challenge is that of the COVID-19 pandemic, some of those infected are subjected to stigma and discrimination.

Through this track, I wish to express that we are still worthy despite the hardship we deal with,” she said.

Fisher further explained that track number eight, titled Believe in Yourself, was aimed at motivating people to be patient and remain focused whenever they work on their dreams.

“It has become a norm for most of the people to easily give up on their dreams once they feel challenged, others have a tendency to copy other people’s ideas, people should know that nothing comes easy, but it [idea] can bring in desired results when it is given the necessary attention,” she said.

Meanwhile, Fisher said she took a break from the entertainment industry due to family and business commitments.

“During my absence in the industry, I enrolled at the Limkokwing University of Creative Technology for a Degree in Performing Arts.

I specialised on aspects of vocal training, breathing exercises and acting, among others,” she said.

She said although her journey under the gospel genre was colourful, she felt it was time for her to explore other avenues to enhance her musical growth.

She maintains that she does not despise the support she received from her gospel fans.

Fisher said she chose to settle for jazz since it also resonated with peace and it was a piece of legendary music that does not depreciate easily.

She said, “2020 had been a rough year, as such I felt the need to come up with something to heal and soothe the minds, yet entertaining, hence I came up with the album.”

Before she took a break from the industry, Fisher already had three gospel albums under her belt, titled Dedication, Back to God and His Grace that were released in 2003, 2005 and 2012 respectively. Ends