Talent search platforms are a necessary tool in unearthing talent, and the most popular being American Idols, which has produced a lot of talented musicians who ended up earning worldwide fame.

While the Popstar Botswana has not reached the level of American Idols it is certainly trying to unearth local talent, even though its previous winners do not seem to realise much success. Last year's Popstar Botswana winner, Tebogo Tlhagadikgora, has released his debut album titled How I Wish, which was recorded at Music Complex Studio in London. As the people, who watched the contest, at which he was crowned the winner, expected, Tebogo's 11-track R&B album is a marvel to listen to.

While the R&B genre is not that common locally, Tebogo's attempt is excellent - it's an album that R&B lovers would not regret buying.

The young man has a beautiful voice that is bound to catch every music lover's attention. With proper marketing Tebogo can reach greater heights.

Those who had the opportunity to watch him during the competition last year would agree that he is not bad on stage either.

The album has one praise song simply titled I Will Sing and a number of love songs, with a special one, which pays tribute to mothers (or perhaps the singer's mother?) titled Mother, a fantastic song that will certainly challenge anyone to at least remember the love and care they received from their respective mothers. The title track, How I Wish, is also a soothing love song.

Other songs in the album include Loved You, Your Love, Ooh My Love, She is Gone, and Step Aside. The album has two instrumentals and a party mix, Your Love. Tebogo's music is already receiving airplay on some local radio stations.

All songs in the album were composed and produced by local reggae artist and founder of Pop Star Botswana, Keabetswe Master Dee Sesinyi.

Tebogo's album is not the first product from Popstar Botswana, as the 2007 winner Tshepo Dikomang also released a debut album, which unfortunately did not do well on the market. It is still to be seen whether Tebogo's album will get a warm reception from music lovers.

Tebogo is scheduled to perform at Cresta Botsalo in Palapye on January 23 ahead of the Popstars auditions also in Palapye.