Monkagedi Gaotlhobogwe
17 December 2008
Pioneers of commercialised borankana, Machesa, are back in business after waiting for almost two years without an album to their name
The group appeared to be sinking into oblivion after clinching a distribution deal with the mighty EMI South Africa two years ago. They are now back with Ramco Records, where they became pioneers of commercialised borankana back in 2001, through their debut album, Moselele, which went on to be nominated for a Kora award the following year.
The trio of Manyoloi, Dimane, and Ditlhako Lesetedi are releasing an album titled Maroping... to mark their return to Ramco Records. Ramco CEO, Eric Ramogobye confirmed yesterday that the group is releasing their long awaited album this week.
The return to Ramco now sees the group re-united with the producers and music programmers, songwriters and arrangers who made them frequent finalists at the Koras between 2002 and 2004, including bagging the coveted Kora award in 2003.
However, it remains to be seen whether the group that released four albums under Eric Ramco Records in the past, can match the success of their 2003 album, simply titled, "Kora". The album was popularised by the hit track, Sango, and for some time Machesa were seen as the immortal kings of borankana music, going on to release live DVD recording, as well as live audio recording of the same album, which also did well in the market.
"Only the market will tell, if they are still good enough. Us producers we always tell ourselves we are putting in all the efforts," said Eric Ramco, also lyricist, arranger and programmer at his recording studio.
He tells Showbiz that the fifth Machesa album will also feature acts such as Kganka, Morubele traditional group, and Matsieng singers.
Meanwhile, Eric Ramco has announced that his studios are releasing soloist Kganka's music videos this week. However, he says they are not planning to launch the releases any time soon. "We will wait for the New Year for the official launches. In the meantime we will make small parties to unveil the products. The album and the DVDs should be available in stores by the end of the week," he added.
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