’Mathapelo Letsepe
MASERU — Upcoming kwaito musician Thabo Rakhomo, also known as Mthibo, is set to release his second album this week. Rakhomo, 26, was supposed to have released the album, Number One, last month. He said he changed his mind and decided to release
a single track first. He said he wanted to take it to the radio stations before he could release the whole album.
“I wanted to know what people like and do not like,” Rakhomo said. He said he was aware that American stars like Brandy released a single track first before they could release the whole album. “It really works for them,” he said. “It is a marketing strategy.” Rakhomo said Number One has 14 tracks of which 10 are kwaito, two houses, one Afro-pop and the other hip-hop gospel.
He said it was a great achievement for him to release two albums in as many years. Rakhomo said the message in his music was about life in general. He said his new album was meant to cater for all people. The artist said he was determined to continue releasing new albums.
“I came into the music industry to stay not to try my luck,” he said. Rakhomo said people were supportive and enjoyed his music.
“I am pleased because people buy my music,” he said. Rakhomo said he will be performing this month-end at Dunamis’ show at a hotel in the capital. “We are supporting each other,” he said. He said he wanted to collaborate with more local artists. Rakhomo said there seemed to be slow progress in the music industry because artists did not support each other.
“We do not work together as local artists,” he said. He said South African artists did well because they supported each other. Meanwhile, Rakhomo said he will be donating clothing and groceries to 32 needy children in his home town of Hlotse today. He said since people were supportive to him, he also wanted to give back to the community.
