By Khahliso Khama
BLOEMFONTEIN – Six local artists have joined forces to produce a single track album that is expected to be a voice for the tourism fraternity of the Free State province.
Renowned musicians and poet Nthabiseng ‘JahRose’ Jafta, Lehlohonolo ‘Lim’ Mokoena in collaboration with Tshepo ‘Dialogue’ Ntokoane, Mbulelo Mayo, Molokoane ‘Big Size’ Taunyane, and Mpho ‘Zoe’ Maele have released a track to celebrate the thriving tourism industry of the Free State.
The track titled ‘Woz’ eVrystaatis a brain child of LehlohonoloMokoena who is also known among music fans as ‘Lim’ from the popular afro pop group Alah Yen.
According to one of collaborating artists, Ntokoane, the song is a token of appreciation for the rich history of the province and its inviting serenity as well as the people of the Free State.
“The song is an initiative of one of our fellow musicians Lehlohonolo Mokoena. He invited us to sell and celebrate our beloved province by composing this song which I believe will invite more tourists to explore the Free State province,” said Ntokoane.
He added that the province has so much to offer in the tourism fraternity and it was fitting for such an initiative.
“I strongly believe our tourism industry if well marketed in the country and the rest of the world can see more tourists and investors visiting the province. As the name of the song explains, we are saying to the world, “come visitVrystaat (Free State) and experience the beauty of our heritage, culture and tourist attractions most importantly the inviting scenery and tranquillity,” he told Public Eye.
The song will soon grace local and national radio stations with a music video already in the pipeline.
“We have been working on the track for two weeks since the MEC for tourism proposed that local artists commemorate the tourism industry with their music. I am very excited that we have completed the track and it will soon hit the air waves.
“We are also shooting a music video which will be accessible for download on music sites. We are looking forward to a good response and hopefully attract more tourists and investors to our province,” Ntokoane added.
Woz’ eVrystaat was composed as a response to a call by the MEC for Tourism Mamiki Qabathe that local artists produce songs to market the rich culture, heritage and tourism of the province during Heritage month celebrations.
Heritage month is an annual celebration that marks aspects of South African culture such as music, language, cultural food and historical inheritance.
The celebrations are staged all over the country from the first to the last day of September.