2013-12-13Staff Report 2 WINDHOEK-After disappearing from the music scene ten years ago, the group who blends with the name of Siwelewele, popularly known as People’s Choice, is back with a bang! Frans Katamelo, producer and composer of the group explains how they got back together after they parted ways, just after they launched their 3rd studio album in 2003 titled Right way. He says their disappearance was caused by the broke up of their members although he didn’t say much about it. Meantime, the band is back now, and not just with the new album but with a different image. Their newest and fresh 12 track album is titled Rethabile, which means “we are happy”. There were rumours and then more rumours that Siwelewele were getting back together, or not? With only five members now, Frans, Martin Thudinyane, the lead singer; Milka Sechogele, backing singer; Sussa Witry and Jonga Boy as vocals singers, the group is set for a huge comeback never to turn back. “Basically what brought us together was the popular demand from the public. I remember once I was working on the instruments, other members came in the limelight and listened to it. They asked if we have done it before, why can’t we do it again? From there we got together and started working on the lyrics of the songs. And that was it, we kept on doing it until we came up with the album and then Siwelewele was reborn,” says Frans. Judging by a few tracks from the album, as well as the response from the public, “Siwelewele” are looking at a huge return with this album, which is set to be one of the best albums of the year. “What makes this scary is that previous bands who did reunions and comeback albums didn’t work out,” admits Frans. “And if it doesn’t work out it may wipe out your history.” But as usual, Siwelewele comes with the whole package. Their album was officially released on November 29 in Gobabis under the management of Gams Menette who paid for all the expenses. “The album is released under the production Siwelewele. It caters mainly to all ages because we include the Disco, House and a bit of Kwaito. We wanted to catch our old fans and new ones” he says. Frans promises that, after all these years of absence, the album cannot be anything else but one of the best, “and the songs simply superior”. By Pinehas Nakaziko 2013-12-13Staff Report 2
