Mpho Sebina nails ‘ Too late for Mama’
Receives accolades from Sello ‘ Chicco’ Twala
Botswana’s shining star in music, Mpho Sebina is something of a wonder. Born 32 years ago, the talented Sebina, recently paid tribute to one of the most unique performers to come out of the African continent. The artist in question is none other than the late Brenda Fassie, the queen of African pop.
On the occasion of the 32nd anniversary to one of her most popular hit songs titled, Too Late for Mama, the shining songbird paid tribute to this African queen, the only way that she knows how. On October 1st, Mpho Sebina released the new single, which is nothing short of incredible. The Too Late for Mama wraps itself around a listener. It is the sort of a song that just nudges and tucks at your heart strings. You can not listen to the original and this new version without shedding a tear. The latest version is such a masterpiece. Adorned with that unique Sebina voice, and her golden touch, for some of those who have given themselves time to listen to this song, you just can’t listen to it in a rush. You need to listen to each and every word on the song, and feel the pain and struggles of black women, and in those minutes come face to face with their daily challenges. Indeed, this is the best way to immortalise Mabrr.
Even more beautiful is how this remix/ cover appeals to just about everyone, young and old. It compels you to listen to it, give it the attention and recognition that it so deserves, and then go back to the original song, and marvel at both pieces of art. The 04: 08 minutes song was produced by DJ Kenza for El World Music, Charles Favi Motsemme, and Mpho Sebina. DJ Black Coffee was the Executive Producer. It was written and composed by Sello Chicco Twala. Twala, who is behind most of the hits by Ma Brr is so impressed with what Sebina has been able to achieve with the song. He even shared how Alicia Keys tried to do the song but failed dismally. She did not have that thing. In his accolades, shared on social media, he said that if Brenda was still here, she would be proud. “Brenda used to like up and coming singers,” he said.
” A lot of people have also tried and when Gallo told me that they have found someone, I never believed that she would crack it especially after Alicia Keys had challenges getting it right,” said Twala.
“This young lady did it justice. I have never met her, I only know her voice on the song, but she is one of the most talented people I have ever heard,” he said.
His praises are testament that Sebina nailed each and every part of the song.
Speaking in an interview with this publication, Sebina shared how she was blown away to receive accolades from a big person such as Twala.
“I am happy that the originator of the song approves,” she shared.
She also highlighted that subconsciously this is a sound/ song that resonates with her.
The reception for the song has been phenomenal. She also points out that having previously done a cover for the song six years ago, she was very nervous to do this particular one, particularly as this one will be distributed to the world. She also wondered what people would think about it once it was released. “The song is as old as I am. And I wanted it to be appealing to both parents and the youth,” she explains.
Meanwhile, she is pencilled to perform at the Amapiano Music Awards, where she has bagged four nominations with her song, Dinaledi. In the song, she worked with the Major League DJs.
And this is how Sebina bagged this massive achievement. Sebina is well known for her covers of some of the popular songs. She has previously done a cover of the same song about six years ago. By some stroke of luck, the demo of the original cover that she did landed on the hands of some of the top executives at Gallo Records A & R Session with Black Coffee and the Gallo/ Soulistic A& R team. And they all agreed that this is one opportunity that they needed to tap into. The single is part of a project undertaken by Gallo Records.
Sebina was recently captured talking about how she wanted to honour the legendary African pop diva, and how her story is the story of African song and artistry at its highest level.