Kabelo Eric to perform in USA
Local gospel artist, Kabelo Eric has been selected as part of the Indie Rock Gospel Artist Showcase at Newark, Delaware state in the United States of America (USA) to perform with a live band.
In an interview with Arts & Culture, he said the selection is an iconic recognition not only for him but also for the local gospel music to be recognised among international gospel artists. His selection came about following a call by the Gospel Choice Music Awards (GCMA) for Indie Rock Gospel Artist Showcase. He explained that the work that he submitted is the YouTube video links’ popular song dubbed ‘Rato La Hao Jeso’.
“Three months later, I received an email of selection from the award committee that from entries submitted from across the globe, I have been selected to form part of the showcase to perform with a live band.
To be selected from hundreds and hundreds entries comes as a blessing and fullness of God’s grace. This is a fifth time international recognition in my music career. I won MOMAS Award - Best Religious Song in Africa in 2011 in New York. I was also nominated for Best Male Gospel Artist in Africa-by-Africa Gospel Music Award in 2011 in London,” he said.
He added that he was also nominated for the KORA Music Awards for Best Male Gospel Artist in Africa in 2014, the same year he got appointed KORA Music Awards Ambassador Botswana for #EbolaCampaign. He further explained that being recognised as an international star act in GCMA event is a surreal feel and an iconic moment for him. He explained that this comes with
ample opportunities of networking, international endorsement, radio and television interviews, which are a great deal for him as a musician especially post the COVID-19 era.
Furthermore, he explained that he would be in the US for 10 days including the day of the showcase since he is booked for media interviews, collaborations, performances and possible Botswana Independence celebration performance in DC Washington as a courtesy call to Ambassador Kitso Mokaila and Batswana living in the US. He also said as a first Motswana to receive an invitation from GCMA, he would share and impart every good thing he would gain from the show to his colleagues in the local gospel music industry.
“I feel amazed for a pure Setswana worship song being selected to be specifically played live to a live audience. Mostly we are inspired by and emulate RnB or contemporary gospel, but this time around ke setswana se se tla tsenyang matshwititshwiti mo seemong ko America. This shows just how much music is powerful no matter the background, language or nation,” he ended.