Tumelo Setshogo
13 November 2007
Local jazz icon Ndingo Johwa on Saturday launched a six-track DVD titled Sunset at Domboshaba at the Botswanacraft Marketing in front of multitudes of supporters.
The tracks on the DVD are: Domboshaba, Nkabile, Ntule, Batalaunda, Tshwene and Wakandisekela. Various artists including Shanti Lo, Nono, Maxy, Dinyetse Cultural Group and other traditional groups graced the occasion.
Abraxas did not disappoint as they made the day a huge success due to their mastery of the various musical instruments.
Visiting Zimbabwean journalist and musician Nqobile Malinga said Abraxas play different types of music. "They are talented and have been making it happen for Johwa," said Malinga, adding that they (Abraxas) are no doubt behind the jazz maestro's success.
Johwa kept revellers on their feet with his entertaining jazz music. There was cheering and ululation whenever he appeared on the stage. "We have been waiting for this moment. A ko re itee ka mmino o o monate," said one of his supporters.
Giving an overview of his DVD, Johwa said it was a result of the high demand.
"Supporters told me that they have been enjoying my music and now want something different, hence the production of this DVD.
"Sometimes you have to change from audio to video where people can see you performing. It is tiring and boring to listen to the music playing without any motion from the artist."
He also said it reflects the hard work from the humble beginnings when he used to play the guitar for his children.
According to his daughter, who was the director of ceremonies, "we used to gather around my father every time he played the guitar and sing. He loved his guitar so much."
She said her father has been involved in the music industry for the past 40 years.
"He is not new in music," she said.
As a way of involving the young people in the music industry, Johwa said: "youth have to learn how to play instruments such as guitars and keyboards to nuture their skills." He said that though he appreciates the talent among the youth, they should not only focus on rapping and dancing but also on learning other musical elements to improve themselves.
In his song about the South African Development Community (SADC), Johwa called all the regional countries to stand up and unite to fight the ills bedeviling the African continent.
"SADC together we stand," he said. He challenged other countries not to laugh at what is happening in Zimbabwe.
"Zimbabwe used to be the bread basket of Africa, it also participated in peace missions in the continent," reminded Johwa.
He said Botswana and Zimbabwe need each other to accomplish peace and security in the two neighbouring states. To support Johwa's call, Malinga said in Zimbabwe they are playing and promoting his music, "and here in Botswana Oliver Mutukuzi's music is also popular." He said this shows that the people of the two countries are united and music is the right tool to be used.
Johwa is working on a new album, which he said should be out next month. The album is Tjibhako, meaning Toisi in Setswana. Toisi is a container used by the elderly to store 'motsokwe wa mabolara o o sitsweng' which they smoke.
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