We Must Praise to launch debut album
WeekendLife
We Must Praise, a now popular gospel group in Gaborone will on June 24 launch their first album ‘Give Thanks’ at Boipuso Hall.
We Must Praise is a gospel choir founded in 2015 by Vusumuzi Oteng Botshelo mostly known as Vusi. The choir was launched and its first show that was held at the Limkokwing hall recorded an attendance of 2 300 people. Last year the choir did their first ever DVD live recording at Molapo Stanbic Bank piazza, leaving Batswana.
The impressive show had a lot of tongues wagging and many admiring the talent showcased at the show, which was not a popular feat in the local entertainment scene. Just recently, at the inaugural Botswana Youth Awards, the group walked away with Best Youth in Performing Arts and Entertainment award.
The choir has a mandate to change the lives of people through worship, and also change its members by giving them training, apprenticeship, mentorship and financial boost. The founder of the group, Botshelo told WeekendLife that most of the songs in the album were written by the members. The album has 34 tracks in 2 discs. “We wrote most of the songs as the music department team, arranged and approved by myself as the Executive Director and the music director Jonathan Mokotedi. We also have traditional hymns with exclusive approach and creativity,” he said.
Botshelo said the recording was We Must Praise taking a step of faith and that is what has made it possible for them to record. He further said that they never had any finances to host the album launch but through hard work, support from Batswana buying their tickets and pledges helped them get this far. Moreover he said, they have worked with companies like Cresta President Hotel, Soul Design, Letshego, MG properties who have so far made it possible for them.
“We were inexperienced but we had to learn to work with other artists from South Africa that gave us guidance. The production was covered by a South African company that did a marvellous job. We also had local artist that we featured like Lyon Nkokonyane, Tshegofatso Kwadiba and Ricardo Baori. These are upcoming local artists who are hot and who Botswana was never ready for,” Botshelo said.
In his words, he elucidated that the album launch will be “grand”. “The launch shall be epic, we shall be taking the nation through some energetic mood, as we will be singing the songs that are in the album, more of dances and also the album will be available immediately after the show at Boipuso hall,” Botshelo lamented.
Even though there are other vocal groups such as Voice of Change, that are offering the same music genre, he said that they are determined to create music that is innovative, skilful, creative and they are looking forward to creating a sound that is only found in them. He further said they are aiming at achieving this by incorporating “our native language and different cultures” in their songs and making Botswana known in other countries.
According to him, he has assembled a great team of performers in terms of vocal ability and being very organised individuals. “It was through wisdom from God that I was able to put together this group and organise things thus far. I believe in excellence and from my educational background I have learnt management, which is how we are able to pull of so many things well. Lastly, with the support and hard work of my team, our fans and family, we were able to achieve success,” Botshelo explained.
From a very tender age, Botshelo was able to pursue his dreams and never gave up on them, regardless of financial constraints. When receiving an award recently at the youth awards he encouraged fellow youth to never give up on their dreams, no matter the circumstances. “Don’t be a witness to your own vision dying, even if you don’t have enough capital, START and push to your level capacity, sponsors or endorsements will find you working,” he had said. According to him, winning that award was the beginning of great things for the choir.
“For once we felt recognized, this will definitely open more doors for us as we continue to work hard and explore the nation at large and also in raising other young stars to become great one day with their gifts,” Botshelo explained.
Tickets for the album launch are available at Shoprite station, checkers Airport Junction, OK Furniture Main Mall at P250.00 each. Tickets may be booked at +267 74 687 871 and 74 058 588.
WeekendLife
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