Elemotho Richardo Gaalelekwe Mosimane remains one of the most authentic Namibian musicians recording and performing their own music.
The musician, affectionately known as Elemotho in music circles, was brought up in the Sandveld and Kalahari area in eastern Namibia.
He is renowned for his trademark acoustic guitar and sings in his mother tongue, Setswana, and English and other Namibian languages.
The guitar-playing entertainer recently relocated with his family to the mountain kingdom of Lesotho, where he is based in the capital, Maseru.
He has performed in countries like the Czech Republic, France, Germany, Benin, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Nigeria, Senegal and South Africa.
Elemotho started his music career in 1996 while at the University of Namibia, where he studied African philosophy and psychology.
“But when the music bug bit, I had to succumb,” he says.
He has released four albums to date – ‘The System Is A Joke’, ‘Human’, ‘Ke Nako’ and ‘Beautiful World’. A fifth album, ‘My Africa’ – a collection of his best songs – was released and distributed by United Kingdom-based record company Arc Music.
His favourite songs are ‘Kgala !Namib’ and ‘The System Is A Joke’ from (from ‘My Africa’), ‘Ga Lo Itse’ from ‘Beautiful World’, ‘Gandja from Okahandja’ from ‘Human’, ‘Black Man’ from ‘Beautiful World’, ‘Pau’ from ‘Beautiful World’ and ‘Neo’ from ‘My Africa’.
These songs reflect various periods and moments in his life and musical path, he says.
“I was inspired by acoustic guitarists and singers like Bob Marley and John Lennon, while I also loved the likes of Oliver Mtukudzi, Bayete, Setswana traditional music and the San guitarists from the Kgalagadi growing up,” he says.
“The early years as a young musician were filled with trial and error based on balancing my studies and my interest in music. Later, it was trying to find musicians to help me realise my dream. It’s been a fun journey and exciting times as I was driven by my passion for music.”
Anyone who has seen the lively star in action will agree that Elemotho is indeed an electrifying performer who is capable of bringing the house down during a live show.
Top guitarist Sam Batola, who has toured the world with Elemotho, says it is a marvel to work with the Namibian star, whom he considers a great person and performer.
“Elemotho is a very good guy. He is very genuine and he is not going to tell you that he is teaching you something but you can see from his actions that he is busy teaching you. I have learnt a lot from the way he plays his guitar. He has a unique style,” Batola says.
“You will only understand if you are a good guitar player. He is not much advanced but he knows what he wants with his guitar. When I came to Namibia, I though there were no performers but he is someone who speaks through his performances and not with his mouth,” says Batola, who won the Radio France International best African band award in 2013 as a member of Elemotho’s band.
Elemotho shrugs off any suggestions that his music does not appeal to Namibians, adding that he still receives a lot of support in his country of birth.
“I have always felt the sentiment that my music is not well received in Namibia to be untrue. I have managed to perform in front of large audiences in my private shows at the old Warehouse Theatre and at the Franco Namibian Cultural Centre.
“Well, it may have taken time and endurance for people to understand and appreciate my music, but such is the nature of putting your dream to reality. If I have to be honest, my dream has always been bigger than my beautiful but rather small Namibian reality,” he says.
Award-winning artist Erna Chimu, who is also a veteran of the stage, says Elemotho’s music blends the traditional with the modern.
“You will not hear noise, but how Africa is. Elemotho’s music tells you you are in the real Namibia. He blends traditional music with modern instruments,” says Chimu.
“He once gave me advice from one musician to another that I value highly. He told me: ‘Erna, these people who are clapping hands for you today will be the same bench-warmers who will throw you off the stage tomorrow. They are among your own family, friends and fans, but don’t mind them, just carry on and do your own thing’.”
Elemotho says he loves performing at outdoor festivals in nature, while the now-defunct Warehouse Theatre still remains one of his favourite places to perform among the many festivals that have left a beautiful impression on his soul.
He says he has made a lot of contacts across the world over the years, but he places much value on his time and privacy. All in all, spending time in nature and with himself is very important for him.
Explains Elemotho: “I am a proud father of two boys and a family man. I like to spend time with my queen and our children. Nature is the truth and of late I value meditation and eating well, as I no longer consume meat, smoke or drink alcohol. You are what you eat and the people you meet. We are all spiritual beings having a human experience.”
And contrary to the belief that he was quite a tough character, he says he has always been approachable, adding that he takes the arts seriously and feels that it is something important in society. Therefore, he is focused when it comes to studio time, rehearsals and performing.
“I would not do anything differently in my journey as an artist. My mistakes humbled me and taught me much-needed lessons and my blessings reminded me that what I was doing was worth it. Every day is a joy and I enjoy spending time with my family.
“I love the life I have made for myself and I have invested in things that are yielding results now that I am older. I do not miss anything from my early years as the past belongs in the past and the future has not yet come to pass,” he says.
“To younger and upcoming artists I would say, stay true to your journey. There will be hard days but if the work is fun, know that you are doing something right,” says Elemotho. “Don’t be afraid to fail, but be willing to learn. Life is a journey and every step in the right direction takes you closer to your dream.”
The post Elemotho Mosimane: The Electrifying Performer appeared first on The Namibian.
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