Mohalenyane Phakela
JAZZ and RnB star, Majisto, has literally started the year on a high note with the release of his fourth studio album, Mahlo A Hao.
The title track which is loosely translated to mean “your eyes”, immediately suggests that the 11-track offering is about love and it was strategically released in time for Valentine’s Day which will be commemorated in just over a fortnight on the 14th of February.
“Love is a beautiful thing that needs to be celebrated every day and through this album I am preaching the message of love, not just between couples but everyone, including the love for our beautiful continent, Africa,” Majisto said.
“The album is strongly influenced by the sounds of Marvin Gaye, The OJs and Lionel Richie among others, but the deep elements of African beats can also be heard on every song.
“I decided to release it a few days before Valentine’s Day so that love birds and other people can associate themselves with the message and sound in order to learn a few tricks to make the day more special,” he told XpressPeople in a recent interview.
Some of the tracks are already receiving airplay and potential hits include You are the reason I am crying, Every time I think of you, My chocolate and the title track.
He worked with the likes of Mongali Nthako, Saleem Nikelo, Thabo Mlangeni, Teboho Matete and Khotso Thahane to create the album.
Born Limpho Makhetha in Moshoeshoe II, Majisto entered the music industry in the late 1990s as a backup singer to Bhudaza’s late brother, Mochoko Mapefane and they toured Europe in 2000.
He also worked with several other local artistes such as Bhudaza, Tshepo Tshola and legendary Frank Leepa (late) before going solo in 2012 with his debut album Semomotela, which was released in the aftermath of winning the RnB category of the Vodacom Superstar competition.
In 2015 he released a Gospel offering, Joko Ea Hao, which was dedicated to his sister who had just passed on. Last year he released an Afro-Pop album Torofeye which was well-received and saw him getting booked for several functions.
The Monakalali hitmaker said after establishing himself locally, it was time he broadened his “horizons to other countries and I am hoping to achieve that through this album”.
“I have a few connections in South Africa that will enable me to distribute and promote the album and I hope to create contacts in other countries so I can go international.
“We are given the talent by God to pass messages, comfort and entertain people with our voices so I believe we should use all the resources at our disposal to ensure that we grow,” he said.
Majisto also pleaded with the public to buy original music, saying piracy inhibited their growth as artistes. The album is available in local music stores and is set to be officially launched during the Easter holidays.