Anafiki’s classic reaches 40

Forty years ago on November 27th, 1982, one of the most iconic timeless classics in Botswana, Mpolelele Re Babedi by keyboardist Anafiki Ditau, was composed. Anafiki is a singer, song writer, and keyboardist. The song is one of the most popular songs, and fits anywhere. Whether one is going through their first flushes of romance, heart break, loss and lust, the love song has put emotions to words and an icon to the Tswana love story.

Anafiki explains in a press release that she was a young school girl when she composed the timeless classic. “I embodied many elements at the time such as innocence, naivety, secrecy and intense overpowering emotions. Music was one way I could express myself and my reality,” she explains.

The song, according to a press release was later produced by Pastor Keith Kapenbwa in 2004.

It was during this time, that it was played on radio for the first time. Anafiki is expressing her sincere gratitude to Pastor Kapenbwa, patrons, sponsors, promoters, various media houses, for their contribution to her musical journey.

She further explains that she has recorded many more songs and albums and had an opportunity to perform and share her talent with the world, but that Mpolelele Re babedi is what she is best known for.

“I am thankful. I would like to take this opportunity to encourage fellow artists to continue to pursue their calling, regardless of the challenges they face. Sharing our talent is our gift to the world,” she points out.

Plans about how this big milestone will be celebrated will be shared on her official Facebook page, under Anafikibw.