Mokorwana Find SA Relocation Sweet Music
Local traditional group, Mokorwana have relocated to South Africa - and so far so good, says group member Otlotleng Tooto.
He told Showbiz this week that they moved to South Africa last year in search of greener pastures, adding that the group had been targeting that country’s larger market.
Tooto said they are based in Thabazimbi where the group is already commanding a huge following. However, he said they are not lost to Botswana because some local artistes often invite them when launching their albums. “There is no way we can neglect local fans even though we have reached such a high level because of the support we get from Batswana.”
Tooto said their music is also in great demand in South Africa. “The South Africans like our music, that is for sure,” he said.
He urged other Batswana musical groups to try their luck in South Africa, which has a bigger market compared to Botswana. He said the South Africa music lovers have always asked them about other Botswana groups like Culture Spears.
As a result, they once invited a local group, Ditaola, to perform with them in South Africa - and the reception they got was simply overwhelming. The group, which also performs at jazz festivals, has been invited to official government functions as well.
“We are doing well in South Africa but we are also selling our music in Botswana. But the South African market is bigger and more lucrative.” He said they have already sold 60,000 CDs and cassettes. In addition, they are selling their DVDs in places like Durban and Johannesburg where they hope to stage their first live show.
Tooto said they never had a problem in penetrating the South African market because they had been promoting their music, staging shows in mine townships and hotels.
The group is about to engage a company to distribute their music throughout South Africa.
One of the major problems the group encountered when they arrived in South Africa was pirating. “There was a big problem of pirating our music which we managed to overcome,” said Tooto, adding that that is despite South Africa having tough anti-pirating laws.
To sort out the transport problem the group has acquired its own vehicle.
Mokorwana is in the same stable as South Africa’s Letlhomela Cultural troupe. The two groups are not only engaged in music but they also do drama. Mokorwana is just about to shoot a Setswana movie and are releasing their latest album called Bo madala.
[Via Mmegi]
