Botswana: Gospel Artist Releases Debut Album

Botswana: Gospel Artist Releases Debut Album

Mmegi/The Reporter (Gaborone)

24 September 2008
Posted to the web 25 September 2008

Isaac Pheko

Gospel musician Botsogo Modise has released his debut CD under Msindo Music Entertainment (MME) records in Francistown.

The album features six tracks composed and arranged by Modise himself. Modise delivers inspirational and uplifting lyrics effortlessly to mellow beats, track three, Lebitso, should be a favourite with most local gospel fans. Modise's husky voice and clever lyrics make his album a worthwhile buy for gospel fans.

He will remind listeners of the likes of South African gospel legend Solly Mholo with his energy and charisma The 33-year-old Modise hails from Gootau in the Tswapong region. He said that he started singing in a church choir in the early 90s. He is a member of the Zion Christian church(ZCC)."I did not have any real inspirations, I just had a passion for singing.

I intend to promote my album with some live performances during Independence day (September 30) celebrations; I also have plans to promote it on Botswana Television (Btv) programmes Mokaragana and Melodi ya kgalalelo.

I have recruited two back-up singers to help me in my performances".Modise says he distributes the album through a network of his friends,relatives and anyone who is willing to help. His only sponsor is Jax Investments. He said it is hard to distribute his album as he is currently unemployed.

Production of the album surfers from a slight repetition of beats and drum arrangements. The album has only six tracks and some of them are too long. Konyana is a valiant effort for a debut album and Modise's break onto the local gospel music scene.