Folklore genius

Source : Freelancer

Author : Pondie Tlagae

Location : Gaborone

Event : Arts & Culture

His breakthrough was in 2000 when he performed as a dancer with the late Brenda Fassie in South Africa for the Miss Malaika Pageant. He also performed for the Grahamstown National Arts Festival in South Africa in 2006.  Still in the same year he got invited to perform for a mini festival dubbed President Summer hosted by the German Embassy in China. In 2007 he represented Botswana in China while in 2008 he headed for Japan for a conference where traditional sensation, Captain Dira and jazz idol, Punah Gabasiane, were present. The folklore maestro was raised in Ramotswa along with his siblings. As a simple down to earth type of person, he plays very unique music and artists such as Lister Boleseng refer to his music as moopelo wa sedimo, meaning a communication with the ancestors.

He is a proud 30-year Molete going by the name Ntirelang Berman. He is an artiste whose existence was borne out of a passion to preserve folklore music in Botswana. The growth of his music is set to turn the country into a haven of rich culture that will possibly enhance its economic growth and eradicate poverty and unemployment among the youth. This can happen through the establishment of different businesses within the music entertainment sphere. Ntirelang is a multitalented young man with many hats. He plays folklore music that reflects indigenous lifestyles. He is a guitarist, plays segaba (traditional violin), keyboards, percussions and can perform all types of indigenous dances. Ntirelang is also a poet, so much to say about this man but so little space.

He acted as Thatayaone on a Botswana Television (Btv) production called Re Bina Mmogo in 2005 and worked with Mama theatre in 2004 as a street actor promoting condoms with Millennium Production House. In the same year, he did a couple of commercials for Mascom under the theme “connecting people”.

He is actively involved in promoting and preserving Botswana culture. Whatever he does, he engages culture and tradition fully. Ntirelang’s first album, Maloba, which means the olden days, did well in the market. The ten-track album gives Batswana a taste of good and rich rhythms, lyrics and an awesome performance without loss of originality. Local artistes he has worked with are Punah Gabasiane, Captain Dira, and Exodus Poets, just to mention a few. International performances that he will never forget are the Kgotla Expo, which was held at Ditshupo Hall and the one held in China.

If you have a good memory like mine and you take good notice of local artistes’ work, you will probably remember that Ntirelang gained recognition when he was awarded Best Folklore Artist award. The folklore artiste is one of Botswana’s finest who have managed to travel the world and hook up with different and famous people such as Sello Maake ka Ncube of South Africa.  In fact, Alexander Mark Smith of Mma Ramotswe drama bought him a guitar to show appreciation of his talent.

In a way that Ntirelang feels markets him best, he usually introduces himself to the audience at dinner dances and cocktail parties, as well theatre sessions. However, this year he came up with a unique strategy of promoting his music.  The strategy, which he refers to as ‘basking’ sees him emerging at unexpected places such as railway stations, bus ranks and malls, where there is usually a huge movement of people. He promises to present himself to a cross section of the audience in a professional way. There will be a proper stage setup. He believes by so doing, he will be making his music easily available to the public. Many of his fans must be so keen to know what he is currently up to. The traditional sensation has proudly released his second album - a mind blowing offering called Kgolo.

The album, which he composed and produced himself, has an annual show at Maitisong called Ntirelang Bermans acoustics. Rob Vieth from America helped him with mixing and mastering. Batswana should expect a lot from this as Ntirelang has introduced a lot of harmonica and its acoustics all the way and solo oriented. The quality of the music is very rich.

Last year he performed at the Northwest Province fan park in South Africa for the 2010 FIFA World Cup. 

For the first time this year he managed to produce two traditional groups, which will be released very soon. Namane Tsa Nare and Mantlha a Godimo are the names of the groups. Indeed, Ntirelang is a pioneer in his own right, proving that everyone in life has a specific calling and uniqueness that the creator has placed in them. He does his music with passion and masters it well. His art plays a huge role in tour culture while his love for his guitar fuels his strength to continue with the wonderful work. Ntirelang continues to bring the charm of his country to observatory; his new album exposes his dynamic ideas on how to preserve culture. ENDS

Teaser:

He has been obsessed with his guitar ever since he was a young boy and his main focus has always been on folklore music...