It is time for Elemotho to tour

Namibian singer, songwriter and guitarist Elemotho is the artist to look out for in 2013. This week the Economist caught up with the music maestro and got more insight in to the preparations of his world tour. One can’t help but get a feel of the excitement that the son of the Kalahari is feeling. As we sat down, one could see he was itching to tell about his upcoming Ke nako, ‘Its time’ tour where he will embark on a promotional Tour of 24 countries, 30 shows in three months, putting Namibian music not only the the African map but the world map.
He will be performing from East to West Africa as well as Southern Africa, and will also have  a special concert in the French capital, Paris. He feels the tour is a huge thing not only for him as an individual or his band but for Namibia as whole. “Namibia is being put on the map and Africa and the world’s eyes will be open to Namibian culture. Performing 30 shows is higher than any award” he said.
Born Elemotho Gaalelekwe R Mosimane in East Kalahari where he grew up on his grandmother’s farm, whose stories inspired him later in life to create a repertoire of meditative melodies,which have become messages for our modern times and have taken the country by storm.
Elemotho is of the opinion that wealth is not owning physical material but it is in the heart, “I grew up in awe of my father, he spoke six languages fluently and was cultured, that to me matters more than wealth. I admired him so much and every time he would speak I would be so amazed”. Elemotho promises to not only move his audiences feet but also their minds, “I want to move people, not Namibian people, not white people, not black people, but I want them to realise that they are bigger than being Namibian, white or black”.
The rooted singer draws his passion from the likes of Fela Kuti , Bob Marley and Miriam Makeba who left a legacy and put their countries on the map through the power of   music. Their legacy serves as a driving force for the artist in that he believes that it is not wealth that one gets from being famous but the fire one ignites in people that touches their lives. He particularly looks forward to performing in Accra, Ghana.
2013 is a busy year for the singer. He has just signed a deal with ARC Music to release a three album compilation titled ‘My Africa’. The album will be released later this month in Europe and Asia. Elemotho also plans to have more tours in South Africa. His management team  is currently negotiating with a European music company for a tour in Europe. “It is a blessing to see all I have worked hard for come to light, my dream has come true, meaning I should dream more and work harder” he said.