Kabelo Eric

Gospel Artist from Botswana

Kabelo Eric is a young ordinary Motswana from Sikwane (Mochudi), being a third born from a family of five he started singing at a very young age. His deepest enthusiasm for music in general kicked off back during primary school from grade 1 up to grade 5. His passion for music grew much stronger at the age of 13 when he was part of the senior school choir. Being the only boy singing alto (the girl’s voice) made him be the significant that he was the best male student in music. He was then awarded a certificate for being the best male student in music and that motivated him so much. During his teen he grew up listening to the likes of Phempheretlhe, Mmereki and Joel transcending to the most inspiring gospel personalities in South Africa Rebecca Malope and Lundi Tyamara.

His humble beginnings from a Christian background as he was raised by a very spiritual and a Christian mother had a tremendous impact in life in general. He used to work with the Queen of Gospel Tebbie while promoting her first DVD of the “maleo ame” fame. His potential in singing was later discovered by the My African Dream competition in 2006, where he was emerged as Top 10 finalist. It was a real coincidence that he met his producer Joel Rebaone Keitumele. “ He saw me performing and something triggered his ego and straightaway he believed in me that given a chance I can become a successful recording artist as well as a performer. ”

Kabelo’s debut album “ Jutase Wa Mosekariota “ was then released in August 2007, which has been receiving a lot of airplay on both radio and TV stations, especially during gospel programmes (on both Botswana Television & BTV). Kabelo Eric is a member of both Botswana Musician Union and Gospel Musician Association.

Ask why passion for gospel music he said “ I am a child of God, my life should be a living celebration of the God’s given talent I have. Singing gospel is more of a calling than a career. It’s a pity that some does it only as a career and forgets that its not all about them but God. Therefore my prayer of all times is to resemble God through my music and live an exemplary life though it’s a challenge as I’m still growing, God’s wisdom will carry me through. ”

Kabelo Eric's new album (second album) titled Oh Modimo and was released on the 17th April 2010.

The album contains 11 tracks most of them penned by the Kabelo Eric himself. In the opening track, Golgotha, the song talks about the redemption power of Calvary and interestingly, there is a dash of jazz in the track showing growth on the part of the artist.
The popular Zulu chorus, Uyincqwelwe is also given a mature and laid back approach and this is one song that is likely to bring the listener close to God with its 'worship' feel. In the track, Tshepa Modimo, the artist urges his listeners to put their trust in God in whatever they are going through.
One of the danceable tunes in the album is Bophelo in which Kabelo Eric acknowledges that it is God that has given him life and the sustenance that he needs. In the track Thato Ya Hao, he sings about God being the one who decides about the fate of everyone and that as such, his will should prevail at all times. One can safely say that some of the lyrics from this song are borrowed from the popular Sotho hymn, Ho lokile.

Perhaps, the most outstanding song in the album is the title track Oh Modimo, which is dedicated to orphans. The singer sings about his late mother, thanking her for all the nurturing that she gave him, while she was still alive. It is clear that he misses his mother and he is looking forward to the time when he would be re-united with her in heaven as he sings, "Ha o mpitsa legodimong ke tlaa a thaba go bona mama wame". This is a sad song indeed, and it will have many who have lost loved ones close to shedding a tear or two. This song has strong lyrics and it is a powerful offering indeed. Ntshwarela is another laid-back offering and in the track, the artist asks God to forgive him of his sins.

Other songs in the album include Sefaapanong, A nte Jesu, Sizo Wanyathela and O isa kae Menate. Although Sefaapanong, which is a popular chorus, had a potential of being given a fast tempo, the artist chose to make it laidback and it still remains appealing. Sizo Wanyathela is one of the danceable tracks in the album. Backing vocalist Segofalang Nagafela is featured in A nte Jesu.

In his music career he shared live stage performances with International Artists such as Keke Phoofolo, Winnie Mashaba, Solly Mahlangu, Uche of Joyous Celebration, William Sejake-Joyous some in Botswana and other performances in South Africa.