Ketso drops maiden album
ROADSHOW TO RHAPSODY: Ketso drops a symphony of the soul
Following a breakout performance at the Department of Broadcasting Services (DBS) Roadshow Season II, rising star Ketso Letlotlo, known by her stage name Ketso, is set to drop her highly anticipated debut album, Lethabo.
The album, which translates to “happiness” or “joy” in Setswana, isn’t just a collection of songs; it’s a soulful reintroduction of an artist who has been waiting in the wings, ready to take center stage.
Lethabo features five meticulously crafted songs, promising to captivate listeners and music lovers alike. For Ketso, this album is the culmination of years of dreaming, a heartfelt memoir poured into melodies.
“People have different activities that give them life. For me, that thing is singing,” she shares. “I love pouring out my heart in melodies. It’s the greatest reward. So, when I was given the opportunity, I took the bull by the horns to do the most meaningful thing to me, which is singing.”
The album is a vibrant tapestry of universal emotions, composed in Setswana, Sekgalagadi, and English. It touches on moments of love, loss, and overcoming disheartening situations, a collection designed to resonate with every mood. It’s clear that Ketso isn’t just a singer; she’s a storyteller, and with this album, she spills the beans on her life’s journey.
According to Seabelo Modibe, the visionary behind the Ketso brand, Lethabo is a strategic move to position the singer as a versatile and proud ambassador of her native language and cultural heritage. “Ketso is a true all-rounder in the creative and music industry. This album is a rich take on cultural heritage and will position her as a versatile artist who wears her heart on her sleeve,” Modibe states.
The album includes the tracks “Motlogele,” “Wena,” “Lethabo,” “Nkatumele,” and “Robala.” The title track, “Lethabo,” was born from a period when Ketso felt utterly overwhelmed by pessimism. The constant negativity around her was draining her energy, and she was at her wit’s end.
This song became her emotional outlet, a powerful declaration that she would no longer allow negativity to occupy space in her world. It’s a personal anthem, a reminder to find joy even when darkness looms.
The inspiration for “Mo Tlogele” struck Ketso the moment she heard the beat. It paints a vivid picture of a woman utterly exhausted by her unfaithful partner. In this song, she channels her anguish as she declares, “Mo tlogele a tsamaye” (let him go). She’s weary of being taken advantage of and is ready to turn over a new leaf and move on.
Ketso aimed to create a deeply relatable song, and what’s more universal than the pain of losing a loved one? “Robala” is crafted to offer comfort and hope to anyone grieving, providing a musical embrace for those who have lost someone close to their hearts. It’s a song that proves she has a finger on the pulse of human emotion.
“Wena” is a heartfelt ode designed for listeners to express their love for their partners. It’s the kind of song that makes one want to fall in love all over again, all while getting up and dancing along to the rhythm. The track is sure to hit the ground running on radio stations and in dance halls.
Written in Sekgalagadi, “Nkatumele” is a song steeped in the sentiment of love. It beautifully expresses the profound need for affection and closeness from a lover. It’s a sweet, melodic plea that promises to go down a treat with romantics everywhere.
Ketso Letlotlo, the overall winner of the DBS Roadshow Season II, is a talented vocalist whose music is a beautiful blend of traditional languages and modern melodies, reflecting a deep connection to her cultural roots.
With Lethabo, she’s not just making an album; she’s clearing the air and inviting us all into her world of hope, resilience, and unadulterated joy. This album is a testament to her journey, and a promise that she’s here to stay.
