Lerato Matheka
MASERU — Lesotho’s top jazz artiste, Bhudaza Mapefane, says he is preparing to release a live DVD.
In an exclusive interview with XpressPeople on Friday, Bhudaza says the DVD will feature three of his popular albums, Bo-Mapefane, Mohokare and Likhomo.
“I want to give the world a piece of me on stage in the comfort of their homes,” he said.
“The DVD which will be released simultaneously with a CD is meant for release next year Easter and it will feature other tunes from other artistes like Mariam Makeba and Sankomota but performed by me.”
He added: “It is going to be shot in Lesotho, Bloemfontein and Johannesburg, the three places where my support base is fairly big.”
Bhudaza who last released an album in 2009 said he would be back in studio after the release of the live recording.
“I normally take a three-year break before producing another album so next year I will be in studio but I am already rehearsing for the upcoming album,” he said.
“It takes time for people to (get in tune with) my music so I normally gave my supporters enough time to know the music before releasing another offering.”
Mapefane said he is currently discussing the live recording deal with his recording label Universal Music.
“Plans are at advanced stages, I am currently discussing the budget with my recording label.”
When asked why he was releasing a DVD and a CD Mapefane said: “It’s to provide both visual and audio message to my supporters.”
The saxophonist is currently an ambassador and a mentor of the Vodacom Superstar music competition.
“I have been involved in the project for the second time.
“Last year I was just a mentor and this year I am also the competition’s ambassador and it is an honour for me,” he said.
“It is humbling to know that of all the initiatives I am making in the music industry someone is keeping an eye and admiring what I am doing as a musician,” he said.
He said he had already identified some talent during the campaign.
“As a recording artiste, I have identified some talent that I plan to feature on my next album as both collaborations and backing vocalists,” he said.
He said while taking a break in recording, he is still touring different countries in a bid to promote his 11-track award winning album Likhomo which features hit tracks Babalase, Likhomo, Isa ngoana and Manyenenyene.
“Like I said I take time to let my supporters know their music, I will be travelling to Botswana in the coming week and in September I will be back to celebrate their independence so the break has given me enough time to perform at different places and events in and out of the country.”
Mapefane is not only a performing and a recording artiste but a radio personality who currently hosts a jazz programme on Ultimate Radio station on Sundays.
The local saxophonist and jazz icon has three jazz albums under his belt.
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