BOTSWANA’S HIDDEN GEM
Botswana is well known for its diamonds, beef and tourism but one of Botswana’s greatest resources is its rich music culture. A culture that originated from folklore songs sung by the fire to recorded songs played on the radio.
Music has historically been part of the everyday life of Batswana. One of the music cultures that has gained significant prominence is Afro Tech music. Afro Tech is a subgenre of the popular house music which combines the sounds of Afro House and Tech music. The genre is prominent and mostly played in clubs, bars and events. It is the kind of music that is an epitome of class, fun and exclusivity. Pioneers of the sound in Botswana include producers like Raul Bryan and Benny-T, who have inspired the growth of the genre influencing the likes of Ace Mantez, Tswex Malabola, Aimo, Viral Gucci and so forth.
Music by Raul Bryan and Benny- T has been playlisted and played by various international artists like Black Coffee, Darque and DJ Satellite. This music further enjoys multiple streams on online platforms. Although seldomly played in commercial radio, the streets have recognised and crowned the music subgenre.
Afro Tech producers from Botswana have their music licensed by various labels all over the world like Open Bar, in the United States, DM Records under At Jazz in the UK and Seres Producers in Portugal to name a few, exhibiting the value the music brings to the international music landscape.
In the words of Raul Bryan, a pioneer of the genre the future of Afro Tech in Botswana, “I anticipate a growth in the movement as producers are now pushing to collaborate with vocalists in an effort to commercialise the sound”.
It is evident that music is a worthwhile export that Botswana is giving to the world and Afro Tech Music is proving to be one to shout about.
Raul Bryan Benny T
Tshegofatso is a passion driven writer who is an avid lover of learning, teaching, writing, music and technology.
