By Monsieur Polk
“They are back to stay… You can bet on that.”
Time Out was invited to attend the listening session of a rather popular group that disappeared a few years back. With frankly the most unique opening gambit, the master of ceremonies, Dr Vom, blessed the proceedings with a prayer in Kalanga no doubt! God is great ladies and gentlemen no matter what you refer to Him as.
Unik Attractions was an all girl affair that was known all over the country in its hey day according to Seabelo Boile, who was part of the speakers on the evening. Seabelo recalls meeting the all girl group as he toured with his group Ola Magents back in the days of Mr Chocolate and Tribal Monks. In attendance were record company staff, promoters, friends and media who were all treated to a four song sample from the soon to be released 9 tack album “Re Boile.” The songs blasted out of the huge speakers that keep Ozone thumping and generally the nostalgia in the voices of the ladies was reminiscent of the Mahotela Queens in a way, and set many a wan smile on faces. Most of the songs played that evening like “Wa pelo” (featuring Ashley Gops) and “Kgale re letile”, were more upbeat and really just the tonic for what threatens to be a long dry festive with the ever looming 70% tax on alcohol.
Unik Attractions comprises of four young ladies namely GL, Roxy, Pinky and Mo. GL is the only original member of the old Unik Attractions. Responsible for the resurfacing of the group are brothers Kanda and Obsa from Earmark Records. To the record company and somewhat a warning Dr Vom, the MC, playfully chided, “If we see only three of the girls on stage, these are the guys we will be consulting on the where abouts of the fourth gir!l” This was said in an effort to remind the record company of their responsibility to the artists. Mox went on to remind the group that, “Having a song on radio or mentioned in the media does not guarantee success, instead an intense desire to succeed and the will to succeed would do it.” A legend in the making, Gong Master, offered to buy the group 30 minutes on national radio to help promote them. In a gallant move Ishmael offered the group the use of his sound equipment.
In Gaborone the station is the sweet spot from which aspiring artists can grab ears, hearts and eventually wallets. It is the same platform from which the Eskimos and the other Lieutenant General, Vee, sent their careers on the track to success.
The fact that a wide swathe of music industry players was present at the listening session offering nothing but support, both morally and tangibly, was surprising but gratifying. This defies the notion that the music industry is strictly a cut throat business. Furthermore, despite the shambling along of the official music organisation BOMU, it appears the industry itself seems to know what it needs and is achieving those ends. The Unik Attraction listening session gave the positive impression that Botswana’s music industry is self regulating and infused with a healthy and friendly rivalry despite what we may have read recently in the press about pellet gun toting record label owners.
Unik Attractions - The fine print
Re Boile by Unik Attractions is the latest album available soon
Earmark Records – Obsa 7145 9554
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