Nnunu Ramogotsi’s triumphant return
Popular songbird, Nnunu Ramogotsi, has found her voice once again, proving she remains a towering force in Afro Jazz.
14 years after her debut album ‘Mmasonoko’ (2012) turned her into a household name, the celebrated artist unveiled her second studio project, ‘Sephonono’, a deeply personal, culturally rich body of work.
The eight-track offering was officially launched during an exclusive media listening session held on Thursday at Botswana Craft, where the Ramotswa favourite captivated attendees with both her music and her story.
Although the entire process was not without hardship, in the end, the LP was recorded in just two days!
“I went through a rough journey. I encountered spiritual attacks and moments where the album almost died. One of my production members even suffered a stroke. But at the end, I conquered,” declared the 48-year-old Jazz star defiantly, her bright orange dress matching her colourful character.
Despite the challenges, the project blossomed into a powerful collaborative effort, featuring over 20 artists, including Women of Jazz and the Kunkuru family.
Nnunu was quick to pay tribute to her producer, Danny, for helping shape the album’s vibrant, multi-layered sound.
“Sephonono is a textured Afro Jazz offering inspired by Tswana village life, its rhythms, rituals and oral traditions. The title track tells the story of a young woman ready for marriage, only to face resistance from her parents who believe she is still too young,” revealed the veteran music-maker, noting this is a narrative rooted in cultural tension and generational expectations.
Nnunu described the album as a symbolic journey from dawn to nightfall, blending ancestral echoes with contemporary jazz.
“This is one of my most ambitious artistic statements,” she admitted, but remains confident ‘Sephonono’ carries both local and international appeal.
The event also marked the official launch of ‘Nnunu Ramogotsi, Africa’s jewel’, her new website serving as a digital home for her music, story, media kit and blog, cementing her legacy in the digital space.
“This is more than a release, it’s a cultural milestone. I thank my husband, my family, my friends and everyone who played a role in creating this celebration of rhythm, resilience and the soul of Botswana.”
Adding weight to the occasion, COSBOTS Documentation and Distribution Manager, Patrick Matlapeng described the listening session as a momentous celebration of Nnunu’s contribution to the music industry.
“Nnunu has been a pillar of Botswana’s Afro Jazz scene. Her commitment and influence extend beyond music into our economy. As COSBOTS, we remain dedicated to nurturing the creative industry through rights administration, advocacy and collaboration, ensuring artists’ intellectual property is protected and creativity is empowered through royalty collections,” mentioned Matlapeng.
As the final tracks played, the crowd could no longer remain seated, rising to their feet to dance, a fitting response to an album born of struggle, spirit and unbreakable artistry.
