Project showcases Africa’s music

Jonas Kobela crosses the border to share his music with other African countries.

The house/Kwaito music artist said people in the neighbouring countries enjoy and relate to South African music.

“As a result I recorded a single where I combine Chichewa language and Xhosa language,” said the 36-year-old man.

He said his latest single offering is titled Kulongolola, which means having fun in the Zambian language Chichewa.

He said the song is inspired by an initiative he does in collaboration with an artist from Lesotho, who is known as Abuti.

He said the duo began a project called the Southern Africa music tour where they will host music events in countries like Angola, Botswana, Lesotho and Malawi.

He said the Southern Africa music tour aims to expose talent outside South Africa.

“I want people to relate to my music. People already love the Kulongolola song and it is a club banger in Lesotho and South Africa,” he said.

He said the song earned him a nomination in the Maphungubwe Arts Awards for Best Kwaito last year.

“The nomination means a lot to me. To me it says people recognise my music,” he said.

He said has been singing since he said 15 years old.

“I was a church choir leader in Limpopo. When I moved to Tembisa I made friends with musicians like Jack Mojapelo, MoAfrika, Monde Kama and Buddylove,” said Mr Kobela.

He said they released and distributed their CDs to different radio stations.

“We were mostly played by community radio stations. From there I started getting a lot of bookings in Limpopo.”

He said he will release Kulongolola in South Afrca soon. His fans can call 083 362 8963 to find more about the event.

You can also get the song from his Facebook account by going to Jonico.