MASERU — Local kwaito star Mthibo is collaborating with South African afro pop star Speedy on his forthcoming album.
Mthibo told the Weekender the third album that he is currently working on is due for release in September.
“I have worked with a number of local artistes to bring a new spark to my third album and to raise the bar I have collaborated with Speedy on a track that will also be included on the album,” Mthibo said.
“I have sent him beats for his verse so by next week we will be polishing the production before the release in September,” he said.
“I have worked with three radio personalities, Mic Cheker, Palyzetra and Sneezo on two singles, Jump and Reverse and Summer Song which were released last year.
“I have also worked with the likes of Skebza, Dunamis and Rumo la Koebe on a track titled Don’t Cry,” Mthibo said.
He said the album brings a different feel to his type of music.
“The album which is still to be titled is a fusion of different genres and provides a platform for promotion for the unknown,” he said.
“I have worked with Dunamis and Skebza to bring a hip hop feel and Rumo la Koebe to cover the poetry and jazzy feel.”
The artist said he was still negotiating with South African musician Pitch Black Afro for a possible collaboration.
“I am currently (in discussions) with Pitch Black Afro for collaboration.
“I would like to work with him (Pitch Black Afro) because his music alone incorporates different genres. He may be perceived as a vernacular hip hop artiste but his music has house, kwaito and hip hop elements and I believe his input would add oomph to the album,” Mthibo said.
Mthibo said he met Speedy on the social networking site, Facebook, and sold the collaboration idea to him.
“Speedy seemed very keen to work with local artistes and I told him my plans and he availed himself.
“It is very exciting to work with people who appeal to a different crowd from me because they bring a different vibe,” he said.
Mthibo said the album is fulfilling his dream of working with various artistes.
“During the launch and the promotion of the album, all artistes featured will get a chance to network.”
Mthibo said his collaboration with Speedy symbolised a step up to a higher level.
“I have always wanted to work with local artistes but I decided to expand my horizons and aim higher by collaborating with artistes who have been in the music industry for some time and have experienced a lot. Speedy has been around for some time.”
“The album is a fresh and catchy concept that attracts a wide scope of fans and represent vast talent,” he said.
He said he has 10 tracks that are ready for release.
Mthibo said he was looking to have no less than 15 tracks on the album, of which 10 have already been produced.
The 2010 Lesotho Haeso Music Awards award winner said he also felt the need to close the gap between local and South African artistes.
“I have shared the stage with various South African artistes and I didn’t see much difference except the fact that they are more exposed. I wanted to prove that we can be at the same level if we work hard to match their standards,” he said.
