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BOTSWANA’S NTIRELANG IN LOVE WITH SD

15/03/2014 04:50:00 BY PHUMZILE NDLOVU

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Ntirelang Berman was one of the few privileged artists who performed at the official opening of King Mswati III International Airport, which took place last week Friday.
Gcwala met up with the artist and he tells us more about his love for music.

Born in Ramotswa village in Botswana, the 33-year-old artist has nothing but love for the Swazi culture. He was invited by Sibuko Sesive to perform at the opening.
“It is actually my first time in Swaziland, I arrived in the kingdom last week Thursday,’’ he said.

Respect

“I love Swazis. They are soft spoken, and I like the way they carry themselves and the way they respect their culture.’’
He travelled by taxi from Johannesburg to Swaziland, and he said it was interesting to see people so kind to him, even though they didn’t know who he was.
The artist said it was the first time for him to see a nation that embraces culture like Swazis.

“I have travelled to different places like China and Japan, but I have never seen a nation that loves their culture like Swazis.”

Beauty

He mentioned that he likes the landscape in Swaziland particularly the undulating mountains.
He visited Maguga Dam and said he had never seen such beauty.
“I love the weather here as well, Botswana is very cold. I heard people complaining that it was very hot at the official opening of the airport, while for me that was tolerable. I would love to come back in winter just to experiment your winter,’’ Berman said.
When I asked him how he felt about the reception when he performed at the airport, he said: “It was received well, even though the song was in Setswana, but people seemed to enjoy the beat. Music is an international language.’’

Embrace

According to Bermen Swazis should embrace their music and break into the international market. “As a folk man I am interested in learning about people’s lifestyles. I went to The Mall in Mbabane and I didn’t see any cleavage or any miniskirts, which emphasises to me how respectful and reserved Swazi are.’’
The talented artists said it was an honour for him to perform in front of Their Majesties and the Emakhosikati.
He said he would love to meet the King one day.

“I felt inspired on Sunday and wrote a song, which I will dedicate to His Majesty the King of Swaziland. The song is titled ‘Gae’, which means home.’’
He said he would love to work with Bholoja as he met him at the opening at the airport and he loved his music.

“I only composed the song on Sunday so it’s still in its infancy stages. I will include it on my second album.’’

Talented

He last released his album in 2007 which fetched an award in BUMO Awards for best folk album in Botswana. He is currently in studio recording his second album.
The talented musician is not married, but has a son. He has two brothers, no sisters. He was raised by his mum.
For bookings you can email him at bntirelang@yahoo.com