MASERU — Famo artiste Mosotho Chakela scooped the best Sesotho album award for the third time during the sixth South Africa Traditional Music Awards (SATMA) in Durban last Saturday.
Chakela was competing with two other nominees from his own stable, Mentla le Selope, and Qhubu la Makhaleng.
With 58 albums under his belt, Chakela told the Weekender this week that he is humbled by the support shown by his fans.
“I am very thankful to God who has blessed me with life until today and my fans who have never stopped supporting me in my career,” Chakela said.
He said he will use his prize money to help vulnerable people including orphans and invest the rest “in making great music”.
“I will not tell you how much came with the trophy but what I can tell you is that I will use it to make other people’s lives better.
“I will use the other part of the money to help aspiring artistes to make great music,” he said.
Chakela who is also a composer and music producer said his production company, Terene, had performed well by scooping five awards in the six years that the SATMA awards have run.
“We only lost the SATMAs in 2007 which helped us work harder to ensure victory every time we participate.”
He however said this year’s competition wasn’t tough.
“I always appreciate having opponents from other production companies because in that sense I get to measure (my own competence). This year I was competing against my kids so it was like a walk in the park.”
Chakela said his next step would be to submit his album to the South African Music Awards (SAMAS) next year.
“My next move now is to participate at the SAMAs next year. I have received certificates and awards proving the strength of my music from SATMA so next year I am looking at the SAMAs because winners are selected by both judges and fans,” he said.
“I know I have a large fan base but I don’t know my strengths when judged by independent judges. I am looking forward to the challenge.”
Chakela encouraged other artistes to work towards participating in competitions.
“Competitions like these help us as artistes to gauge the quality and relevance of our work to the market.
“It is an assessment that every artiste should undergo in making their music a success.”
Chakela said he is still going to continue producing and releasing albums for as long as he is alive.
“I may have many albums but my journey still continues. Music has become a part of me and is more than just a business. My fans should always look forward to more productions,” he said.
