House music is huge in Southern Africa and although Botswana has deep roots in the house music scene and is considered a house nation, only in recent years have we seen a surge in decent house productions being released. With that in mind, I set out to pick the mind of Botswana`s number 1 dance music maestro. He has been through the hey-days of kwaito, the vinyl era, 3 radio stations, and presented at the biggest dance music meeting in Africa, all in a massive 10 year career.
In 2009 he released his greatly anticipated first compilation album, “Tshaba Tshutshu”.
K&k:
You waited 10 years before releasing your album. How difficult is it to put together an album in Botswana?
Mr O:
Very. There is a shortage of quality producers that can buy into one’s vision. We also lack a unique dance music sound. Look at South Africa, they have successfully carved their own niche in the dance music scene with 100 percent homegrown dance music which is consumable all over the world and has a unique African sound.. Again, the returns on putting together a dance album in Botswana are far outweighed by the input costs.
K&k:
What inspired you to start djing?
Mr O:
Music my man, music. The pulsating rhythm of a packed dance floor and that thumping bass and the feeling that comes with knowing that you are the man behind the magic.
K&k:
Who are your major influences?
Mr O:
The legendary Dj Ski, Dj Fresh, Cosmo and Dj Sid. These are the men that made me hunger to be a dj. Euphonik makes me want to be a performer whilst Cleo and Roger Goode inspire me to make the party jump!.
K&k:
Which track on the album is your favorite and why?
Mr O:
It has to be track one “easy livin”. I’m sucker for a house track that flows and allows you to be lifted away to faraway places man. The chords are just too soulful to ignore.
K&K:
Which is the one gig that you regard as the best you`ve ever played at?
Mr O:
Too many to mention. A couple of stand outs though. 60’s party 2007, Bak2Skul 2009 and Simunye House Grooves @ House of Blues back in 2002
K&K:
Obviously music is a life passion to you. How do you prepare mentally and spiritually for your gigs?
Mr O:
Some good food, an empty bladder is a good start. From then, I go with the flow. Depending on what time my set is, I like to set the mood when I play. Its always a nice idea to arrange your bag with the newest music first, and always know where the “ save me I’m drowning “ tracks are.
K&k:
when are we going to see a second album from you?
Mr O:
2010 ninja! Already looking for tracks
K&k:
You`ve been on radio for quite a while and currently host a radio show on Thursdays on Yarona FM. Is there a difference between a radio dj and a club/party dj? If so, how do you make the transition?
Mr O:
Radio djs never have to worry about a clearing dance floor when playing something new!. There is no transition to make really, if you have the talent and the passion for both, then go for gold.
K&k:
What influences your dj sets?
Mr O:
Moods, time of set, venue and crowd. I get paid to rock, period. Deep, soul, some techy stuff, tribal, commercial, kwaito, whatever. It all depends on the timing.
K&K:
How would you describe your style?
Mr O:
Just call me Dj GOOD MUSIC!
K&k:
What do you hope to achieve with the Tshaba Tshutshu album?
Mr O:
Recognition on a wider level and penetration into other markets outside of Botswana
K&k:
What else do you do besides music?
Mr O:
I have a full time job as Yarona FM Programmes Manager.
K&k:
Your album was mostly produced in Botswana. How has the experience enhanced you as a dj?
Mr O:
It is a testimony to the fact that even though the production talent is not as plentiful as in South Africa, its bloody great talent that exists in Botswana
K&k:
For various reasons, House music CD sales for local releases are relatively low in Botswana. What do you think can be done to get people buying more house music?
Mr O:
Nothing. For as long as the big brand music stores eg. MUSICA refuse to stock our local music then we are dead in the water. There is no effective distribution in Botswana, plus a lot of piracy.. digital downloads are the way to go. CD sales have plummeted globally. even so, how much digital penetration is there in Botswana? We are in trouble! Those are not the only challenges, you’d think the SA industry would be as supportive of us as we are of them.. owai. The SA dj scene is extremely self centred and territorial. They want a piece of everybody elses pie but are unwilling to share theirs. So you cant even get airplay or sales there.
K&K:
In 2006 you attended the Southern African Music Conference. What lessons did it have
for the home scene?
Mr O:
2006 and 2007. I learnt that we need to get shit done our damn selves. Coz aint nobody trying to help you eat. And that’s another thing all these other cats on the regional and international scene have mastered. Self promotion and self preservation. Another lesson I learnt, embrace technology or die!
K&K:
In an ever changing music industry where tastes are constantly evolving,
How do you manage to stay on top of your game?
Mr O:
I cant explain this. I have an uncanny ability to pick up a hit song from a mile away. Also you have to continuously track music trends, be in tune with what the audience wants.. trust me you cant learn all that twiddling your thumbs at home. Fortunately, being an employee of Yarona Fm has also helped keep me in the loop. Networking with other djs is also a great help.
K&k:
What other music projects are you involved in?
Mr O:
This year id like to focus on honing my production skillz. I believe I have a coupla hot beats in me just dying to break out.
K&k:
You must have a lot of groupies. How do you handle that attention?
Mr O:
I always hear this.. I always WHERE.. SHOW ME!. I never see em!
k&k:
Where`s Mrs O?
Mr O:
Not yet,but I would like to get married. I think it’s a great institution.
K&k:
Who do you regard (aside from yourself) as a DJ that’s making strides in the
industry?
Mr O:
Locally, House Junkies are hot, Jam-n-i. Kim Wizzy, and C4.. outside, im impressed by Euphonik’s hustle.
K&k:
Complete the following…
Mr O:
“Mr O is…..Radio, Good Music, Passionate, Driven, Talented and Misunderstood .
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