Fresh Les returns to Rhumba
Local artist, Fresh Les, born Phemelo Lesokwane has retraced his steps to Rhumba
Fresh Les made the announcement last week at a press briefing. To mark his official return, he is releasing an album titled, The Return of Fresh Les & Mosako Stars. The album comprises of eight tracks that were in his previous albums. They include Ware kereng, Matshidiso, Sekopa, Boela Gae, Ke wa ga mang, Waena Wache, kgaitsadi and Tsabana. Besides the album, he is also intending to host a number of shows to mark his return to his number 1 genre.
The first show will be held in September 24th at Fora Farm in Kumakwane. The line- up will include Franco ( who owns Fora Farm), Jeff Matheatau, Alfredo Mos, Gongmaster, Dikakapa, Mc Maswe, Fondo Fire, Shaboo, Slow Wizzy, Matlotla, and Mmaratwa, as well as Mc’s T. H. A. B. O, Ronnie and Jujuvine. Other shows are slated for *
Hukuntsi ( September 30th) at the Lehututu Community Hall, Ghanzi ( October 1st) at Hilltop Nightclub, Maun ( October 2nd) at Lunar Club, and the venue is yet to be confirmed for the Zowa show in October 21. The last show will be in Serowe ( October 22nd) at Lady Khama Hall. Fresh Les started his music career from an early age in 1991, where he would perform at his Grandparents’ tavern. In 1993, he joined the Maranyane band as a drummer, and later joined the Soul Buffaloes. In 1996, he formed a school band at Kagiso Senior Secondary School, where he taught his peers a number of skills, including how to play instruments such as Guitars, keyboard, and piano. In 1999, he joined the Botswana Defence Force under the Band Wing section, and had an opportunity to train as a sound engineer, piano tuner, drummer, bass player and singer until 2006 when he retired from BDF. In 2001, he is said to have founded a band called Yakho Band, alongside Jeff Matheatau, and also happens to be one of the founders of the BDF Band D group with Lister Boleseng. The current Botswana Musicians Union President has released three Rhumba albums as a solo artist which include Mathata, Baanteka, and Sekopa, which were all released while he was still at the BDF. When he rebranded, he tried his hand at Jazz, but found that he was not fulfilled, hence his return to Rhumba. Speaking during a media briefing, he explained that he quit Rhumba due to a number of reasons including a work environment that did not allow for artists to progress. “I was frustrated at the time,” he said. He further said that he quit music and ventured into other business interest, but soon returned with a different genre. He reveals Lister Boleseng and the late Tumelo Mafoko advised him to try his luck at Jazz. “But I feel that my strength is in Rhumba music,” said Lesokwane. He also shared that he is working on new music and will release early next year. Lesokwane also highlighted that the Return of Fresh Les will be available on most of the online music stores from July 30th.