Music is a large part of Botswana culture including pop and folk forms. From folklorish traditional music to waist-wriggling hip-hop, Botswana has embraced a diversity of musical styles over the decades.
Today, Artists are owning the art of hip hop in Botswana and infusing rhymes in their diverse languages. Here’s a quick look at Botswana’s most popular hip-hop artists and rappers.
1. A.T.I.
ATI, officially known as Atlasaone Molemogi is a superstar in the Botswana musicscape.
He has won awards in Botswana Musicians Union (BOMU) Music Awards as the Best Hip Hop/Motswako Artist, Best Single, and Best Collaboration featuring Yung Amazing and Legacy DG in the popular song “Khiring Khorong”. He also won for Best Song of the Year, Best Single Track, and Best Male Artist. His latest album is ‘Ohilaukaus’ (2020).
2. Zeus
Game Goabaone Bantsi, also known as Zeus, is a Botswana hip-hop artist, MC, and businessman. His debut album Freshly Baked was released in 2008 featuring his hits “Back in the days” and “Gijima“. He won the Best Hip Hop Video for the “Gijima”. He also ranked 4th on MNET’s Top 10 African Rappers for 2010 compilation.
3. Yaw Bannerman
Yaw Bannerman is a Botswana producer, songwriter, and vocalist. He is of West African descent but grew up in Botswana. He is best known for his vocals on Veezo’s hit “Zaka.” The YAMA (Young Audiences Music Awards) award-winning artist has worked with great acts like Gemini Major and Tshego. His latest album is Believing In The Feeling Is Right.
4. Amantle Brown
Amantle Brown is a Botswana R&B artist. Her two songs; ‘Black Mampatile’ and ‘Moratiwa’ topped Botswana’s Top 20 most played songs across all radio stations in 2016. She was nominated in five categories at the 2015 Botswana Musicians Union (BOMU) Music Awards where she won two awards being ‘Best Newcomer’ and ‘Best R&B’. Her latest release is Sedidi (feat. Gigi Lamayne)
5. Sasa Klaas
Sasa Klaas is a female rapper, musician, and media personality from Botswana. She is known for her sexy dress sense and unparalleled dancing. She has built a reputation as a female rapper, and earned herself the title of ‘Queen of Rap’. Listen to her latest song – VAPORS.
What do you know about Mali Music? Check out these 5 artists.