“We sat down and took Kwaito lovers’ request in to consideration because majority of people went to Khawa this past Saturday, so we decided to push the event to another date”
THABANG REGOENG
Kwaito artist Lekopanye “Lecco” Kenosi who recently signed with Author Mafokate’s 999 record label last year says his album launch party was postponed due to fans requesting to attend the Khawa Dune Challenge and Cultural festival first.
Lecco, who signed with 999 last year following the Waar Was Jy Kwaito festival was set to launch his long awaited 10 track album Carrol which he said he worked on for five months.
“We sat down and took Kwaito lovers’ request in to consideration because majority of people went to Khawa this past Saturday, so we decided to push the event to another date,” Lecco told Time Out.
While he did not reveal the new date for the launch party, Lecco said that the party was supposed to feature Ishmael, Pantsola, Arthur Mafokate and himself. He says that a decision has since been made to add Kelly Khumalo and African Roots. “We have added Kelly Khumalo and African Roots to our lineup, so Batswana should come in large numbers to the event. People who have purchased tickets should not worry so they will be eligible to get in to entrance at the event,” he said.
The fairytale relationship between Mafokate’s 999 record label and Lecco dates back as far back as 1997 when he was their music distributor, ambassador and show planner. “Many people don’t know that I have always been instrumental in 999 music activities in Botswana; so when I signed with them, it was reward for my hard work. Arthur is a very strict businessman, ambitious- so it has always been a nice experience working for him,” he said.
999, which targets upcoming artists has released famed musicians like Brenda Fassie, Mshoza, Papa Jeff, Makhlendlas and Speedy down the years. Lecco believes the record label will also open doors for upcoming local artists, “It is such an honor for me to work with Arthur looking at great artists he has worked with in the past years. The boss (Arthur) is always keen on working with young talent so my signing will hopefully open doors for the young Kwaito artists out there,” said the optimistic Lecco.