Abuti
Mohalenyane Phakela
SOUTH African-based local artist Motlatsi “Abuti” Makafane will launch his sophomore album with an all-white party in his hometown of Ha Pita on 3 September 2016.
Titled Ke o Sune, the 11-track album includes such tracks as Chelete and Africa among others and was produced by Jack Mojapela and J Khronic. The offering also features the likes of Snash, Privillage and Immortal.
The launch event will be held in Lehlokoaneng and feature South African artists The Teddybears, Snash, Privillage, Chesa No Sika, Buddylove, Jonico, J Khronik alongside local acts Axsavelli, Immortal and Pman DJ among others.
From his Johannesburg base, Abuti this week told the Weekender the main theme of the album was love.
“I love to preach the message of love. So, the album speaks about my love for the African continent and motivational messages,” he said.
“I was born and bred in Ha-Pita, and every time I get a chance, I come home to touch base with my peeps. It is therefore only befitting that I launch this album where it all began with a stylish theme of an all-white dress code.”
Chronicling his musical journey, Abuti said it all started in 1998 while staying in Maputsoe. He was mentored by rapper Papa Zee but was unable to record due to financial constraints. Abuti said he later on gave up on music and went to school in South Africa.
“After many years staying in South Africa, I met my former school teacher (Jack Mojapelo) in Gauteng who had opened a studio, Mawada Productions, under which I am signed. He is the person who advised me to get into the studio and I released my debut offering Thapelo in 2011,” he said.
The album, Abuti said, did not fare well as there was no marketing and distribution framework. However, the kwaito artist said he was upbeat on the prospects of his latest offering since he took his time in producing it.
“I took my time working on this album as it took me close to three years to complete it. I have established relations with both South African and local promoters as well as artists. So I believe with the guidance of the Almighty God and the support of my fans, the album will do well,” he said.
“The Maseru launch will be followed by a tour of Lesotho, South Africa and Botswana where I have established relations in partnership with Jonico Kobela Productions.”
Abuti is behind the Southern African Music Festival which hosts artists from Malawi, Botswana, South Africa and Lesotho. The pilot edition of the festival was held last October at Club De Fasto in Ha-Matala. Subsequent editions will be held in the participating countries.
