Trinity’s African Sunset
WeekendLife
It doesn't hurt that he has assembled some of the finest musicians on the Jazz scene to galvanise the sense of growth that breezes in his latest album – African Sunset. Trinity Mpho is a perfectionist; his wardrobe speaks to this position. Batho Motlhake did not let the Afro-Jazz sensation down with his sizzling sleeve cover design and radiating photography!
Looking at the people that he has worked with, one is tempted to score the production highly even before listening to the music, but well, after listening you cannot resist the temptation to put the whole album on repeat. While repeat is an abomination for learners especially in public schools because of the perceived shame it carries as it undermines one’s IQ, in this case repeat is an affirmation of quality – good music – and a provoked appetite for jazz.
“This album is about Africa as a whole. It captures the ravaging wars of South Sudan, the suicide massacres in Kenya, the xenophobic attacks in South Africa, the constitutional issues in Burundi and Uganda, you name it,” surmises the lyrical voice behind the Oscar Chamba production.
There is nothing as engaging as interviewing a musician who is loaded with content. Trinity knows his base land, he has a good grasp of history and current affairs, and surely this gives him an advantage when it comes to song writing and emotional attachment to his jazzy offerings.
To emphasize the notion that this album is about Africa, Trinity has worked with the likes of Tshepo Tshola, a true civil rights musician and activist, a veteran of the game. Trinity points out that he wanted to add growth and maturity to his latest album, “hence I featured Tshepo Tshola in one of the tracks, Dintwa”. Dintwa is a very mature song and will remind you of the Africa we live in today. To strengthen the production aspect of the album, Trinity also roped in Tshepo Tshola’s producer, Gabriel Stuurman.
The Bobonong born jazz artist could not forget his colleagues here at home. He features Shanti Lo on the main track, Gwela. With Shanti Lo, you cannot go wrong with the vocals. Trinity has been very open-minded in this compilation. To add to the diversity that he is offering, he invited Moreri Moroka, a well-known poet to write one of the songs for him, Black Bride, and he nailed it in the vocals, it is one of the best arranged musicals in the album. Shuggie Fisher helped Trinity compose Nkamogela, a gospel inspired jazzy song, and it is a great piece.
Trinity says legends like Tshepo Tshola are trail blazers of the industry and the experience they gain from working with such talent is immeasurable. The upbeat singer says now he needs to match the quality music with good performances on stage. He launched the album in Gaborone on Thursday evening and he did not disappoint. His fans in Botswana and Canada should brace themselves for well-organised shows, he says.
Trinity Mpho is a song writer, singer and stage performer. He won the World Music Artist of the Year 2015 award Winner for the African Entertainment Awards in Canada where is spends most of his time as a performing artist.
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“Jazz is a very personal music; it draws experiences and puts them into a sequence that a listener can relate with. I think Trinity is one artist who captures this positive attribute and generates a sense of intrigue as he diversifies these arrangements with great depth, be it on personnel or his interpretations in songs” – David Baaitse Weekend Post Lifestyle Editor.
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Creatives taking over 2023
Creativity is seen everywhere and these individuals did something recently that’s never been done before, and some are still killing it. We see creativity on streaming platforms, stages, runways, social media and boardrooms even. Some of them are revamping their businesses, and lately, clothing sale is thriving.
They love concept-driven designs, storytelling and they bring fresh ideas and new perspectives that will leave footprints in the sand. Post the COVID-19 pandemic, these creative minds utilized the drawing board and they became cognizant that monetizing content will actually take them far, which is frank nonetheless.
This is commendable though, but the creative industry will still need support from government in order for it to flourish further. Allocation of resources (funds, facilities and empowerment) should be done consistently, creativity must be raised and at the end of the day, the economy benefits from that kind of investment.
HAN C
Ever since he parted ways with his former manager, DJ Bougee Sid, Mahalapye born-pint sized, multi-award-winning artist, Hanceford Magapatona has been taking up space, unapologetically so. Han C has shown a strong will to take over the entire world, and he is in the right direction. He’s solely organizing the annual Mahalapye Spring Festival, which is taking place next weekend.
The Pepetetsa hitmaker raked some monies from his savings to put together this event. Mahalapye Spring Festival will feature Paige, Ubuntu Band, Khoisan, Amantle Brown and Double Up among others. Even though it didn’t come as a surprise, Han C was nominated at African Muzik Magazine Awards (AFRIMMA) in the US, under Best Male Southern Africa category.
However, the award was snatched by the late South African rapper, AKA. Its not all lost as Han C secured two nominations at the Yarona FM Music Awards (YAMAs): People’s Choice of the Year and Best Male Single.
KOKETSO MOTSWAGOLE
This entrepreneur has turned his dreams into reality, and his promising apparel business is now a fashion destination. Matter of fact, Motswagole weathered the storms to be where he is now because through criticism and social media bullying, he still leads the pack in fashion.
His social media accounts got deleted but through his online store, KM Sales, Motswagole is able to rake in some profits. He initially started selling from his car but now owns a busy store and has employed a number of young people.
KM Sales has been offering fashionable items (shoes, t-shirts, pants) and has been participating in various lifestyle events such as Garden of Drip where it showcases its products.
If there is one young entrepreneur to draw motivation from is Koketso. The business started from humble beginnings, at the time when he worked part time at Ipelegeng as a casual labor. Indeed, good things come to those who wait, or well, work like a slave today, live like a king tomorrow.
KAGISO LUDO DE KLERK
Vee Mampeezy’s ex-wife Kagiso De Klerk clearly did not sit and weep over their dramatic divorce. The famous social media influencer hurriedly picked up the pieces and went hard on promoting business online. She literally took social media influencing to the head and it is working for her.
This year saw her partnership with Shell reach greater heights, and obviously, she is raking lot of pulas from the deal. Kagiso has been making frequent appearances in top events in South Africa such as Bubbles in Spring and Gold and Diamond Experience.
GAONA DINTWE
After a long break from the limelight, renowned media and radio personality, Gaona Dintwe is back. She was missed by many on TV, and she’s back where she belongs, news anchoring on BTV. Gaona has also found a niche in podcasting. She is a host of her own podcast, Gaona Live Conversation, where various people share their stories on camera.
Some of what they discuss is Gender Based Violence (GBV), polygamy and drug addiction. This is highly commendable because even BTV doesn’t have programs that discuss these crucial social issues. The Lentswelemoruti native is also seen in various corporate events where she is engaged as a host.
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DITIRO LEERO ONE MAN SHOW ON THE PIPELINE
Now that one-man shows are made fashionable, traditional dance guru and ex-convict, Ditiro Leero is joining the crusade and he will be hosting his also. The show will be held next month at Zone 4 Farm in Selokolela, but the there are traditional dance music artists who have been lined up to perform at the show. Matshana, Morwa Leka and Maswailathota will be doing their thing and probably bring some heat too. Ditiro Leero will be making history as the first traditional artist to host a one-man show in Botswana.
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MISS BOTSWANA HAVING MANY IRONS IN THE FIRE
With only two months before Miss World 2023, the reigning Miss Botswana, Lesego Chombo is having many irons in the fire, preparing for the much-anticipated beauty pageant. Miss World 2023 will be the 71st edition of Miss World pageant and it will be held in India. Chombo has been spotted toning her body at Jack’s gym, a requirement that is taken seriously at the pageant. She has also been participating in charity events, something that should add to her profile at the Miss World.