Mohalenyane Phakela
HIP hop star Dunamis is set to launch his latest album G.O.D on 25 June 2016 at Khubetsoana-based Club 4Fordy.
The entertainer, born Retšelisitsoe Molefe, this week told the Weekender G.O.D is an abbreviation of God Of Dunamis.
He said the 19-track album was a thanksgiving offering featuring South African artists Morale, Ab Crazy, Caiphus and Glory as well as local acts L Tore and KI.
“G.O.D revolves around my relationship with the Most High and is a token of my appreciation for the grace He has shown me since the dawn of my career. It was never easy for me to make it this far, but only through His mercy,” said Dunamis.
Among the artists set to perform at the launch show are South Africa’s DJ Speedsta and Da Les as well as the local coterie of J Cob, Juvy, Ghetto Iz, KVN, L Tore, Stlofa, Sir Nic, Jiro, Vesta, Charma Exzit, AfroDJ, ZagroDJ, Osmic, Jacky, NINE24, Bootz, Monyanse DJ and KTA Kings. Lesedi FM presenter Ba2cada and Mavele will be the MCs of the night.
“It will not merely be a launch show, but a time to celebrate with people who made an impact in my career such Da Les who interviewed me during his show on e.tv and Ba2cada who supports local talent,” he said.
“It will also be a joint party with DJ Mekonko since he will be celebrating his birthday. I believe it is a good thing to have Hip Hop and House music under one umbrella.”
The Mabote-born rapper and producer broke into the music scene in 2007 with the album, Mastered Seed, which landed him the Best Song (Sotho) at the South African Music Awards in the same year. It was followed by the well-received The Glory and The Streets in 2011.
While acknowledging the progress local Hip Hop made since he forayed into the industry, Dunamis said there was still a glass ceiling when it came to making inroads beyond Lesotho’s borders.
“The industry has made a lot of strides in its development compared to back then when Hip Hop was not appreciated,” he said.
“However, local artists are only known in Lesotho, and that is why we don’t feature at African music awards and on international music channels like artists from other countries.”
To address the challenge, Dunamis said he collaborated with Ba2cada in organising a show only featuring Lesotho at a club the duo jointly owns in Bloemfontein.
“We will also be headed for Johannesburg and Pretoria later this year and hoping to make it an annual fixture,” he said.
“Another good opportunity we have with Ba2cada is that we are responsible for the MACUFE Hip Hop show. So, we will feature some of the local artists who are doing well on the show.”
