Bringing back traditional hits to modern celebrations
"In music we must entertain, teach and guide the people. I like artists who create music which builds society."
MOKOPANE – “I compose, write and sing in Tsonga, Zulu, Tswana and do back-up myself. My music is of 100% African content,” says the enthusiastic musician Dr Scotch Malesela who wants to bring traditional performances back into modern celebrations.
Malesela, says people living in townships and rural areas were used to Mpharanyana, Patience Africa, Margaret Singana and Brenda Fassie singing wedding songs. He wants to bring back the tradition.
“I started singing when I was in primary school. My first album Shibe tsa manyalo was released in 1996 and have released 16 more. What gives me courage is that a lot of people in Mokopane like my music although it is traditionally-based,” he explains.
“Music is an essential thing in everyone’s life. In my opinion, the traditional music of a country is more important than the international music that is heard everywhere nowadays. Traditional music is necessary for a country and the people who live in that country. It also reflects the culture of a country. And every country has its own traditional music which is one of the differences among countries,” he says.
“Although international music is widespread among people and become popular for its themes, rhythms and tunes, it’s not stable and is always changing. For instance, rock was very popular in international music five years ago. However, at the moment, hip-hop has taken the lead.”
“In music we must entertain, teach and guide the people. I like artists who create music which builds society. I have my own studio known as TF Records and a lot of local artists are recording with me,” Malesela concludes.
