We are not Satanists…
The past weekend’s performance of the controversial trio of Diva Vebrok, Berry Heart and ATI in Francistown at Lagos Club has set tongues wagging about the collaboration.
Many view them as Satanists, while others say that Vebrok is inspired by the powers of her boyfriend Nana Kwakwu Bonsam. In 2014, ATI appeared on the Flavour Dome stage with his 51m black costume that he spread on the stage as if he were flying. Over the weekend, in Francistown, Diva Vebrok came in a replica form of attire of the same colour that also covered her head.
Some in the audience said that although the trio gave a marvellous performance, all they saw in her attire was illuminate. “She reminded me of Nicki Minaj, and I felt a bit frightened when people whispered that the team of Satanists have now united,” said one of Vebrok’s followers. Some alleged that Diva Vebrok ‘s blesser, the Ghanaian Bonsam, could be blessing her to steal the limelight, hence the collaboration track that she performed with Berry Heart dubbed, ‘Nana Kwaku Bonsam’. On the other hand, Vebrok has released an album titled, ‘Still Powers’ which is to be launched this evening at her Listening Session that will host many other local artists such as Charma Gal, PP, Zenzele, MMP Family, as well as Mercy Thebe to mention a few.
Bonsam, who regards himself as a Wednesday devil, is known to operate on Wednesdays. Vebrok’s recent performances have been on Wednesdays, including today’s Listening Session slated for Millenium Jazz Rest at 7pm. Approached for comment, the trio denied being Satanists but that they are only creative artists willing to fly above the limits. “The reason why we are together is merely business, and above all we are more like family. I feel safe in the midst of these two divas because we all have the same common goal,” said ATI. Berry Heart said that the reason for their collaboration is to prolong their music careers as a team and to divert from their own comfort zones and rather explore.
ATI claimed that his costume’s idea was to fill up the space while performing because as a single artist he has never had dancers. Vebrok on the other hand believes that after 10 years in the music industry, she is an achiever and hence her outfit indicates that she is a flying eagle that is not willing to give up. Asked about the title name of her new album, ‘Still Powers,’ and its meaning, she said that it simply means that she is an empowered woman and is all about celebrating her 10 years of being an artist.
“I was still and never shaken despite the challenges that I faced in the industry, that is why my album is called Still Powers. Thanks to Berry Heart, she has always been more than a sister to me, she is a motivator,” said Vebrok. What the people don’t know about this trio is unusual, Berry Heart has never worn a right size pair of shoes, it is either they are small or big, ATI has literally spent two months without sleeping due to depression and at least Vebrok has a phobia for snakes.
This team is looking forward to releasing a collaboration track dubbed ‘Takuchi,’ which is a combination of Setswana, English, SiKgalagadi and Arabic. The single track talks about the love they are giving each other. Takuchi means that they are venting. They explained that their manager from Ghana will be present at the Listening Session. Asked who their manager is, they just said that he will be present. The 1million dollar question is whether the manager is Bonsam or someone else.