Mohalenyane Phakela
JAZZ and RnB sensation, Majisto has delivered his sophomore album which he says is meant to reflect the struggles and aspirations of his compatriots.
The 12-track Torofeile was released a fortnight ago, but is already receiving a fair amount of airplay on radio stations coupled with positive reviews from fans on social media.
Born, Limpho Makhetha in Moshoeshoe II, Majisto was previously the drummer and backing vocalist for legendary Afro-Jazz crooner Bhudaza before deciding to venture into the musical fray on his own.
In an interview with the Weekender, he said the highlight of his career so far is winning the Vodacom Superstar Music & Dance Competition in the RnB category, which he followed up with the release of his debut album Semomotela.
Majisto said that growing up in a musical family and an early exposure to Jazz influenced the musical route he ended up taking.
“I fell in love with this industry because music feeds the soul, uplifts the spirit and is a special medium for passing different messages,” said Majisto.
“I received a lot of praise during my performances while playing for other bands, so after the winning the Vodacom Superstars competition, I thought it was high time I released my own album since I had the resources.”
In the new offering, there is a discernible increase in the tempo compared with the previous album. He said the up-tempo style is meant to lighten up the mood for listeners so they can dance.
“I decided to give fans a different sound with an Afro Pop tinge while still possessing those elements of Jazz and RnB that speak to the mind but also make the people dance,” Majisto said.
“A large part of the album deals with important issues of life while the other tracks are simply entertaining.”
Among the album’s 12 tracks is Mantilatilane which features Kommanda Obbs, ‘M’e Motsoali in which Majisto speaks of his love for his mother and Monakalali, featuring songbirds Mapule Mosiuoa and Mookho Mokose.
On the rewards of the local music industry, he bemoaned the very limited returns artists are getting for their work, and implored the new government to enact policies that will assist the sector.
“I applaud the previous government for removing street vendors who used to pirate our music as we can now sell our CDs,” said Majisto.
“I hope the new administration will work towards ensuring we get paid every time our music is played on the airwaves.”
He also urged fellow musicians to apply themselves more and ensure they become brands since “if they don’t do it themselves no one else will”.
“It takes hard work and dedication to survive in this dog-eat-dog industry,” Majisto said, matter-of-factly.
