Encore
Encore, Every now and again one will stumble upon music that speaks directly to their soul.
It is not easy for musicians to be able to perfect the art of capturing their audience almost immediately…
BUT, new music trio ENCORE have been able to do just that, capture the hearts of many South Africans with their music.
The trio which consists of Keabetwe Kototsi, Kabelo Thomane and Peter Letsaolo are re-inventing Soulful African ballads with their harmonies which are perfectly in sync coupled by their impeccable writing, blending the perfect music recipe.
Keabetwe , Kabelo and Peter who hail from different parts of South Africa respectively Polokwane in Limpopo, Kagiso in Johannesburg, and Rustenburg in North West were brought together by music.
They crossed paths while studying Music at the South African State Theatre in Tshwane, Johannesburg in 2009 and their connection was so pure that even they were not able to shake the feeling off.
It was then only natural for their ability to create the “perfect love songs” took over and in no time they had jam sessions which were never really part of what they had in mind but the music notes were too strong to ignore.
And as the saying goes, the rest became history as ENCORE was born and they managed to navigate their way to the ears and hearts of South Africans.
Although the three are all individual and have their own tastes in music, this has helped them create a master piece in their hit single, Ke Fela Pelo which has helped them perform on big stages, setting their career on the correct path for success.
Just like their enchanting music which they deliver in Setswana and SeSotho they caught the ears of business man and music extraordinaire, Modise Kgomo who owns On Point Records. Modise could not ignore what he heard when they performed at the home of Tshwane Mayor, Kgosientso Ramokgopa during a golf day reception in February 2016. Upon going with his gut feeling he almost immediately signed them on the spot as he describes “being taken by their originality, genuineness, easy going approach to music and singing in their mother tongue.”
He then took them under his wings and helped them unleash more of the lurking music that burned inside them, allowing them to give birth to their debut self-titled album, ENCORE.
Encore, the album was produced by some of the biggest names in S.A’s music history including Mdu Mtshali, Mondli Ngcobo, Theo Kgonsinkwe and Godfrey “Guffy” Pilane. Armed with their melodic voices that are able to turn any hearts into love instantly and their Setswana and Sesotho lyrics, this winning formula has birthed one of the top acts to take over Africa.
They feature the legendary Tshepo Tshola and Theo Kgonsinkwe of Mafikizolo fame who help them keep their fire alive but still allow them to shine.
“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,” said Kabelo.
Keabetswe explained 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 Ke Fela Pelo for up to four times.”
Ke Fela Pelo which exceeded all of their expectations is still pushing hard and carrying them deeper into the hearts of their fans and those who are yet to discover the group. It has been selected as one of the songs on the upcoming SABC 1’s Uzalo (telenovela) Compilation album which will consists of some of the best songs in the country.
Their latest single, I Got You, is a grand follow up to their spectacular entry into the commercial music scene, which clearly shows that there is more from where it came from and that their music pot will never run dry.
They have graced stages including being the opening acts for multi-award winning music power house, Mafikizolo on their tour, The Standard Bank Joy of Jazz Festival , the Capital Arts Festival, and the African Jazz Night festivals and corporate gigs just among others.
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