ENCORE – Biography

A trio of musician is breathing new life into Setswana music.

Going as Encore, the ensemble of Kabelo Thomane from Kagiso, Keabetswe Kototsi from Atteridgeville and Peter Letswalo from Mamelodi are making their presence in the music industry felt with their hit single Lerato. It’s a touchingly honest, sweet and moving ode to love. Celebrating the beauty of being in love and missing your sweetheart. The song produced by Mondli Ngcobo is stripped down to the bare necessities with just Kabelo on guitar and vocals, Peter on piano and Keabetswe on bass and vocals.

The three men met while studying music at the SA State Theatre in Pretoria in 2009 and the group connected organically thanks to their numerous jam sessions, impromptu and planned in the rehearsal rooms.

In no time they found themselves on the big stage performing at the Women’s Day festival held at the Pretoria Show grounds a few months later. This came after a friend who was one of the organisers called on them as a band to join the line-up.

This landmark performance put them on the path to even greater hearts and pumped them up with confidence to grow the group.

They have since featured at the Joy of Jazz festival in Joburg, the Capital Arts Festival, Rendezvous venue and the African Jazz Night all in Pretoria. They also earned some corporate gigs even performing alongside Vusi Mahlasela.

The band was discovered by On Point Records founder Modise Kgomo when they performed at the house of Tshwane mayor Kgosientso Ramokgopa during a golf day reception earlier this year. He immediately signed them on taken by their originality, genuineness and easy going approach to music.

The fact that they also sang so beautifully their mother tongue - the best way to express oneself - was a big bonus.

And now they have stumbled upon a fertile audience ready to be serenaded by Setswana balladeers. At every one of their performances at a wedding, a corporate event or a concert they keep winning new followers.

“We took a risk singing in Setswana but after seeing the positive reaction we have gained confidence and have no doubt that we are on the right path,” says Kabelo.

Keabetswe adds that their songs always strike a chord with music lovers. “We never thought we would see people cry over our music, but we have seen it. People lose it and even ask us to perform Lerato for up to four times,” he says.

It’s not only fans begging for more of Encore, the band is also making strides with their media presence. They have been profiled on shows like Afro Cafe on SABC2 and radio stations MetroFM, KayaFM, SAfm and GagasiFM and newspapers like Sowetan.

Their influence has even spread beyond South African borders with legions of fans in Lesotho where they have performed regularly. They have even had correspondence from American fans who may not understand the language but are moved by their soulful renditions.

For their forthcoming album, scheduled for August 2016 release. Encore is working with Theo Kgosinkwe , Tsepo Tshola among others being produced by the likes of “Guffy”, Godfrey Pilane .

Kabelo is composing most of the songs and says he draws from his vast knowledge of Setswana that he studied at school and speaks at home.

Encore pushes melody and poetic lyric things that set them apart from most singers of today.

“Our dream is to be the first people to go deeper in Setswana and to prove that it can be romantic. We’re here to stay and we will continue to get our name out there,” enthuses Kabelo.