Mohalenyane Phakela
HIP Hop outfit, Mapanaki, will officially launch the video for their popular track Melodi on 28 August at Cloud Café in Maseru.
Formed last year in January, Mapanaki is a group of eight artists whose members come from Tšosane, Qoaling and Thetsane. It is part of Landlocked Entertainment owned by Motheea Mpharoane and consists of Brutal Saint, Vendrose, ZB7, Swain, Shannon, King L, Boxer, Tido and Nash.
Mapanaki members visited this paper’s offices earlier this week, and explained that Melodi articulates the rhythm and style epitomised in the group’s sound. According to Brutal Saint, the song was being played on the radio stations and generating the same buzz as their hit track Buka le Pene.
During the event, Mapanaki will also introduce the new track, BringBack and their new clothing line Mapanaki Young Legends. Among the artistes lined up to perform are Stlofa, Jiji F, T Mech, Kopano, Blaze, Sthola, Kislev, Street Writers, Skebz D and Megahertz among others, as well as a special appearance from the cast of the upcoming soapie Our Times.
Speaking of the group’s journey so far, they said the road had not been easy, adding that their first single, Chelete, was their turning point.
“Patience, unity and hardwork is what is required to survive in this industry. Being known on every street corner does not make one a success when he is not reaping any profits from his talent, we should let the fans celebrate us and not the other way round.
“We are still young so our vision is to appeal to people and show them that we are talented,” the group members said.
“Music is not taken seriously in this country but it starts with us artists because we do not have that united spirit and it is hard to find a proper studio or a qualified sound engineer.”
The group’s focus is now on performing at events and touring since copy sales are no longer lucrative.
