10 Nov 2020

Lentswe la Batlhoka Pono, a group of five visually impaired male local artists, continues to defy the odds and live their passion for music, by sending out a message that highlight that disability is not inability.

In an interview with BOPA, the group’s representative, who is also the music composer, Zachariah Maleke aka Sespo, said their newly released album, Sesifikile, comprises six disco tracks. 

The tracks focus on day to day life activities to inspire and motivate music fanatics, who are faced with different situations.

He indicated that the name Sesifikile was agreed upon to show that they were still around and had come full force into the music industry, after having had to pause for a while, following their last album in 2011.

He said their new album was meant to give Batswana music to help them escape boredom and soothe their souls.

Sespo said he compiled songs based on the happenings in his environment as well as the experiences he has had in life.

Sespo said their musical journey began in 1989, while they were still studying at Mochudi Resource Centre for the Blind, where they formed a band called African Formers, to perform during concerts and events.

He said the COVID-19 pandemic had negatively affected them, as they were no longer able to host shows.

“It’s very difficult to make ends meet in the music industry during this crisis, but we can only call for support from our fellow countrymen,” he added.

He said the only thing that kept them going was their passion for music, adding, ‘we won’t even launch our album as planned’.

Sespo said the group, which was made up of men, who were born in the 70s, was determined to stay put and make itself known in the music industry.

The group comprises of Budah Boss, Tore, Prinepa and Timmy Tom, who are all backing vocalists. Meanwhile, the group featured Daisy Mokaeya in the album. ENDS