We Must Praise album launch a resounding success

Botswana’s first gospel ensemble, We Must Praise (WMP) launched their first album, ‘Give Thanks’ at Boipuso Hall on Saturday evening. 

The group founder and director, Vusumudzi ‘Vusi’ Botshelo said they wrote most of the songs as the music department team. The album also contains traditional hymns with exclusive approach and creativity. “We wrote most of the songs as the music department team, arranged and approved by myself as the Executive Director and the music director Jonathan Mokotedi. We also have traditional hymns with exclusive approach and creativity,” he said.

WMP is comprised of youth from different churches. The group was founded in 2015 with the purpose of praising God.  

The group walked away with Best Youth in Performing Arts and Entertainment award during the recent Botswana Youth Awards. 

Botshelo said they are determined to transform the gospel music industry in Botswana by giving it a serious approach as young people.  “Gospel music is not well recognised in Botswana so we have taken this bold step as young people and we are determined and committed to make a change in the industry,” he said. 

He also said that they were inexperienced so they had to learn to work with other artists from South Africa who gave them guidance. “The production was covered by a South African company that did a marvellous job. We also had local artist that we featured the likes of  Lyon Nkokonyane, Tshegofatso Kwadiba and Ricardo Baori. These are upcoming local artists who are hot and who Botswana was never ready for.” 

Botshelo said the recording required them to take a step of faith and that is what has made it possible for them to record. “ We never had any finances to host the album launch but through hard work, support from Batswana buying their tickets and pledges enabled us to get this far,” he said. He added that they had received support from local companies that include Cresta President Hotel, Soul Design, Letshego and MG properties.