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Manto 7 shines at the President’s Day Contemporary Music Competitions |
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 By Kedirebofe Pelontle
Local kwasa kwasa sensation Chris Manto 7 was the big winner at the recently held President’s Day contemporary music competition held at Tsholofelo park and hosted by the Botswana Music Union. He scooped the overall prizes for most popular artist and best back track artist, scoring 139 points in the former and 620 points in the latter.
In an interview after the announcement of the results Chris Manto 7 said the competition was tough but he told himself that he would go for it because, “I chose to perform the famous Zwakapresa and Kwa ga mothakga, which have messages, unlike other artists songs. The songs talk about alcohol and its effects.”.
He said winning the two categories was a big step, adding that it is also a challenge to always bring out something new because he is recognized as a trendsetter. “I was the first Motswana to win the best music video award at the 2006 BOMU awards. I am now the first Motswana to win two prizes at the first President’s day celebrations awards in 2008”.
Chris Manto 7 said after he heard about the competitions from the Botswana Music Union he went to Maun to canvas his people. “The people from home are very supportive and everywhere I go people and even kids love my music.”He revealed that he travels a lot and has been to different places such as South Africa and Namibia singing in various Southern African Languages which adds to his popularity.
The kwasa kwasa star revealed that his second album did not do as well as the first one, attributing its failure to bad timing. “The album was released at the same time I was venturing into business. I am a business person and own Manto Music Centre and crafts and I also happen to be my own manager.”.
“My third album which I’m in the studio recording is titled Pitjo Pitjo, which is a popular dance craze.”
Commenting on the new liquor regulations he said, “the changes, especially to club times affect us as artists but through these kind of music competitions we are compensated one way or the other and we can’t fall.”
Chris Manto 7 won himself P50 000 for the two categories which he will be awarded at a ceremony to be held on Tuesday the 22nd .The President’s Day Celebrations were themed heritage day this year and the month of July was declared a month of culture. The celebrations included competitions in drama, poetry, comedy, contemporary music, traditional song and dance and others.
The contemporary music competitions had four main categories. The back track album winner is Chris Manto Seven, followed by Dikakapa, Stompie, and lastly young gospel sensation Vusi.
The best live artist prize was scooped by the queen of Jazz Punah, followed by Ghetto love, Jeff Matheatau and Mofufutso.
The most popular artist went to Manto 7, followed by Queen of gospel Tebbie, Stompie and Vee.
The best upcoming artist went to Mercy, followed by Marabele, V.S and Mad Dogs.
The judges added that the competition was tough and it was not easy to choose the winner saying that their decision was influenced by such factors as the originality of the song, attitude towards the audience, lyrical content, dress code, and others.
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