Clamouring for greatness

Source : Kutlwano

Author : Lesego Bogatsu

Location : GABORONE

Event : Interview

Darion Motswakgakala Sithole also known as Motswafere in the music circles was born on March 15, 1993. He is an R&B singer, fashion designer, songwriter, dancer and former Mystar 2012 finalist where he fell short two places to claim the crown. As a solo artist he has been involved mostly in tours and performances with MyStar crew as well as ATI whom together they recorded a song titled Promises. He has featured in some local artists` songs. In 2013, he released a single called Boys In Heels…Run It which is still making waves in local radio stations and keeps this lad`s fans curious while waiting in anticipation for the full album. Motswafere, who hails from Patayamatebele in the north-easten part of Botswana, started singing as a student in 2003 when he joined the school choir at Maradu Primary School. His interest in music stemmed from watching television at a tender age of eight. Motswafere used to grab the opportunity to enter each and every talent show competition. He would perform songs of his favourite artists such as Beyonce, Aliyaah, Michael Jackson, Tina Turner and James Brown.

In 2007, he formed a group called the Bootilicious Babes which, however, did not last long. Nevertheless, that did not crush Motswafere`s dream of becoming a musician. Notwithstanding, life has not been all rosy for the pint-sized ‘stilletto dude`, who was really a village boy sorely deprived of the urban swag and had to lift himself up with his shoe laces to reach the top of the music industry. It did not help much when his hommies took to teasing his efforts at looking fashionable. However, Motswafere was such resilient character. He had something to prove. Very soon he honed his voice, and once armed with the newfound skill, he began to shame his detractors. He reserved his energy for everything positive, and for sharpening his vocal and dance skills.

Orapeleng Martin-Nthoiwa best known as Spiza Valentino (born March 24, 1994 in Gaborone) is another brother whose vocal style and performance continue to influence some of today`s artists. Spiza has been a vocalist and collaborator to dozens in the Hip-Hop, Pop, and R&B communities. He appeared on duets together with Motswafere, ATI, Scooby-Doo and Amantle of MyStar fame, on a couple of songs. He has worked with producer and singer Dubblin in numerous projects including his self-titled hit single – Spiza - before joining his recent manager. Spiza Valentino entered the limelight with a bang, some loved him while others loved to hate him because they felt he was an ATI wannabe. As looks can be deceptive, Kutlwano discovered that despite the appearance that  got tongues wagging, Spiza just like Atlasaone, has his own special unique identity. The hyper active muso is making headlines with his gab, hair and R&B style. Haters can now see the difference between the hippy-pop ATI and the rhythm and blues Spiza. A mere mention of Neyo and Chris Brown hits the right note with Spiza. However, reading is also this young man`s other passion.

“I like reading though here I`m bad at finishing what I started ” He admits. Maybe his propensity of leaving business unfinished is common amongst artists, the great Leonardo Da Vinci included.

 

Just like Motswafere, Spiza, was raised by a single parent – mother - something that is evidently not palatable to Spiza because he needs answers to the many questions directed to his father. Even though their views on absentee fathers differ, they both agree that focus has to be on making good music and edutaining, not crying over a father “hit by a train” as the urban proverb goes.

It is difficult to break into the music industry if you do not have a manager. When they signed with Off Campus Events, (an events organising and management company, which organises artist performances and many other entertainment works), the signing was an honour these two giants embraced.

Getting into this contract with Off Campus Events management was the first stepping stone to an unstoppable rise, to bigger gigs and important people in the music scene because of the company`s solid reputation, with fashionable, charismatic clientelle and general entertainers on their files.

Under new management, Motswafere and Spiza collaborated on a track motivated by the passing on of Nelson Mandela. The tribute performances helped the duet achieve the highest ratings.

From the onset, Spiza  Valentino and Motswafere helped define and popularise an upbeat form of Tswanalised R&B music that is now infectious and seems like a lasting milestone. The duo's song, My Mark, is among the most touching.

Spiza and Motswafere have been managed by Off Campus Events for almost a year now. It is Off Campus Events who were responsible for rebranding the duo in 2013 and repositioning them as one of the top R&B duo so far.

Off Campus Events management persuaded Spiza and Motswafere to embark on collaboration after they independently and successfully released solo albums. Negotiations have been struck with different stakeholders and billboards advertising to boost Spiza and Motswafere. Since the billboards and appearances on different stages, radio and television stations, these R&B musos have consistently topped the charts with their singles from their still to be released albums.

The pair, already well known for their crazy, high energy performances, is reminiscent of acts such as Terrence Trend Darby, David Grant and the late Michael Jackson.

It is not an unlikely pairing at all. These young men even share a star sign – Pisces. Sweet coincidence! ENDS