Hail King Vee One of Botswana’s consistent and resilient musicians
One thing that Odirile Vee Sento has been consistent with for years, is his drive and determination to go after anything and everything that sets his heart on fire. That determination has seen him finally getting an opportunity to work with South Africa’s DJ Tira.
But as is life, some things do not come easy in life. On Thursday last week, Vee finally gave the media an insight about his drive and determination to do the impossible when it comes to his music career and penetrating the international market. The occasion was none other than the unveiling of his EP. The event was held at the Molapo Showcase this past week. While news about the EP titled Eezy Peezy is exciting, even more exciting is the fact that he is still working on his dream to get his big break in South Africa, which he reckons will open many doors for him. For this release, he featured, a whole lot of trending South African artists.
Sharing the story of trying to get his feet through the doors of Afrotainment, the record label headed by DJ Tira, Vee explains how one time while waiting for Tira and Naak Music in Gaborone, he learnt at the eleventh hour that they would not make it to Gaborone.
It was then that he decided to hit the road and go on an impromptu trip to Johannesburg. The testimony of how much both of them wanted this can be best seen or heard on the lead song to the EP, titled Unstoppable, featuring Vee and Tira. The song was produced by a local producer Jazman. It is one of the banging songs in the album. Other than Tira, the album also features artists such as Makhadzi, and Prince Benza on the song Pelo, Major League DJ’s on Kumbaya, produced by Bino, Da Cutness, Dr Tawanda, and Jazman. Other songs/ features include Dr Malinga on Re a leboga, Mlindo the vocalist on Thando and Moonchild Sanelly, Busiswa, and DJ Maphorisa on Better man. Detailing how this relationship came to be, DJ Tira explains that they have dreamt of working together for years but something always came up. He notes that they also wanted to find the right music to release and that the search took some time.
“Sometimes, people can say things but if you don’t take steps, then it can’t happen,” he explained.
He further said that, if one folded their arms and waited for government to come to their rescue, their dreams will never materialise.
One of the things that Tira wishes to see happening is to grow the relationship between South Africa and Botswana artists. With this thrilling venture, he notes that they are exchanging cultures.
With the two doing their music together, he shared that this now meant that this opportunity would open doors for Vee, as he can now perform in South Africa. With the highly popular Durban July coming in July, he explains that he intends to take a few artists from Botswana to Durban where they can showcase their music during the festivities. During the Durban July, Afrotainment will host the artists at their events. Besides the July event, they also have the annual event: Fact Durban Rocks, a popular event that attracts just about everyone who wishes to see what the stable will display during that December.
“We can find a beautiful spot to showcase local talent and culture,” he points out.
“I and Vee will be at the Durban July. We are at the top and don’t want to leave anyone behind,” explains Tira.
He further added that what makes this EP even more special is the features, with almost all the big names in music.
Sharing his relationship with Vee, producer and Pianist, Jazman Taboka hailed working with Vee who has been in the industry for almost two decades. He pointed out that working with Vee is not a walk in the park as he knows and understands what he wants, to a point where he can decide that they should delete something that he is not feeling.
When Vee is really in the mood to work, he books a studio from 1600hrs until the next day. “He is a spiritual person and he is really passionate about his content.” He sometimes wonders what Vee drinks to keep up his energy levels very high from beginning to end.
Vee’s first manager, Zen Hirschfield reiterated that it was time that Vee was given his flowers while he was still alive. He credits Vee for being humble and hardworking. “Botswana birthed an unstoppable giant. Give him what he deserves, and the time for him to get his flowers is now,” called Zen. Remembering their 2015 AFRIMA trip to Texas, she highlights that people were blown away by Vee when he took to the stage, and that this is something that he has been consistent with for years. “If you look at Vee and Tira’s stories, they are almost similar,” she said.