Ftown artist adds to growing gospel fare on the market

Popular Francistown gospel sensation, Edward Basimane who has been making his mark in the local gospel arena for almost a decade has released an eight track DVD titled “Morena oa itse,”
The DVD which was released last month is a complement to his “Morena o a itse,” music album which was released in 2011.
In an interview with The Telegraph last week, the youthful artist who hails from Kanye village said that he released the DVD for the album after realizing that it was doing well in the market.
“I first released Morena o a itse music album in 2011 and I decided to release its DVD this year to complement it because it has been doing well in the market. The name of the album Morena oa itse, is in reference to the book of Jeremia in the bible which emphasizes that God knows all our secrets. My fans have always pleaded with me to do the DVD for the album and I believe they will love it,” he said.
Basimane currently has three gospel albums to his belt, “The Blood” which was released in 2001, Tshepa Jesu” which was released in 2009 and “Morena o a itse,” released in 2011
Some of the beautifully crafted videos in the new DVD include, “Magodimo”, a song about heaven, “Kwa nyamalala” a Zulu song which advices people to come closer to God, “Ke nna yoo,” a song about God’s existence and “Mangole otlhe,” a song in which the artist is calling on people to worship God.
Basimane said that the DVD was produced by a Gaborone based producer Kitso Mauchaza
Touching on the journey of his career as a gospel artist, he said that he first came into the gospel music industry in 1991 during his primary school days. As a devoted Christian who grew up in the Assemblies of God church, Basimane said that he began singing at a tender age adding that he was a back up vocalist for local gospel icons, Isaac Bleskit and Matheke Leteane.
“I began singing as a back up vocalist for local gospel artists, Matheke Leteane and Isaac Bleskit. I owe my success to these two artists because they groomed me and made me who I am today,” he said confidently.
On a different note, Basimane advised aspiring gospel artists to work hard and persevere adding that hard work and passion pays. He further advised them to promote their albums and make a name for themselves.
“My advice to young artists is that they should put much effort in making quality music as it would help promote them and even sell them internationally. For those who want to sing gospel music, it is important to be disciplined, God fearing, humble and they should be willing to learn,” he said.
Asked on whom his role models are, he said that he is inspired by local gospel artist, Matheke Leteane and South African gospel maestro, Benjamin Dube.
Apart from music, Basimane is also an HIV/Aids counselor and Testing Officer who is based at Commerce Park in Gaborone.