A musician’s cry for help

Sharon Mathala
JAZZ ASRTIST: Duncan Senyatso

I was homeless and living in my car- Senyatso

As a son of the late popular jazz-fusion star Duncan Senyatso, Genius Senyatso was introduced to the world of music at an early age.

In an emotional interview this week, Senyatso talked about how music has not only been his life, but how it has also healed his soul and carried him during the rough times he has been experiencing of late.

Sharing his moving story with Voice Entertainment, the 38- year -old talented musician talked about how early this year he became homeless and resorted to living in his car.

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” This car saved my life. I was homeless and hopeless. My car was my rescue,” said an emotional Senyatso.

The jazz star whose debut album scooped an award back 2017 has since moved out of his car and into a rented back room in Metsimotlhabe.

His situation however got worse because of the Covid-19 lockdown.

“Music in Botswana does not pay as much as we would like it to. And you can only imagine how financially devastating this lockdown has been to artists. I however used the time to record a few songs. I even recorded a listening session but I have been unable to post it on social media because I don’t even have a Thebe to buy data bundles, “he lamented.

Senyatso was left high and dry when a few gigs he had booked before lock down were cancelled as was the release of his much awaited sophomore album titled, Give me power.

“I had already recorded 10 songs for the album. It had been a long time coming since I last dished out an album back in 2017. That too has been put on hold until this pandemic eases down,” he revealed sadly.

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The jazz star is however thankful that he has been assessed for the Covid-19 food relief programme.

“I live off handouts from the community, I depend on people I know. Currently I am waiting for feedback from Mmaboipelego to tell me if I will be given food or not,” the struggling star said.

For Senyatso life has not been easy, but one thing is clear as we conclude the interview, against all odds, the beat goes on!

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