ELEMOTHO

B E A U T I F U L W O R L D
Elemotho is the only Namibian-born musician to win the RFI-France 24 Discoveries Awards, 2012, among a list
of more than 500 African, Indian and Pacific artists. With his third album, Ke Nako (It’s time), this hard-working
artist presented his new sound of the Kalahari in Ghana, Ethiopia, Senegal, Madagascar, Sudan and Benin. In
2013, his song Kgala! Namib was chosen as the theme song for Namibia’s Adventure Tourism Summit. July 2014
found Elemotho on the Charlie Gillett Stage at WOMAD UK, making a crowd of about 12,000 people jive to his
tunes. In 2015, Elemotho was a headliner at the Cape Town World Music Festival, and he represented Namibia at
the 25th Anniversary of Independence celebrations in London. In 2016 Elemotho and his long-time collaborator
Samuel Batola presented their Afro-Acoustic Experience on a two-months tour across Germany, performing
at festivals such as the ‘Ke Nako Afrika Festival’ in Berlin. Additionally, Elemotho was engaged as composer
and arranger in a theatre project between Germany and Namibia (“Oshi-Deutsch”). In November 2016, he was
awarded the ‘Namibian Tourism Personality of the Year’. 2017 saw the production of this album ‘Beautiful World’.
Elemotho, hailing from the Kalahari, plays acoustic guitar and sings in his native tongue Setswana, in English,
as well as other Namibian languages. He does not classify his music under a certain style: “I see myself as a
performing artist and musical activist; I like to throw reality around, thus exploring the depth of the human spirit”.
From rural boy to modern lyricist, Elemotho stands out from your usual commercial and easily consumable
sounds by using experimental ideas in which reality is amplified through his vision of music: “I grew up with
storytelling around the fire and that has inspired me to create something that could make you dance as well as listen,
smile as well as cry, find peace as well as wisdom”.

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Having successfully presented his music to a wide range of audiences all over the world,
Elemotho is ready to take his old and new sounds even further. His powerful performance
takes you on a journey “that musically invokes the spirit of the Kalahari” (Uganda Daily Monitor)
and conjures “a smile that never leaves your face and a dose of inspired and generous music”.
(toutelaculture, France).
Elemotho has performed in over 25 African countries and in the UK, Spain, Norway, Austria,
Hungary, Germany, the Czech Republic and France. He has shared stages with the likes of
Hugh Masekela, UB40, Sinéad O’Connor, Johnny Clegg, Stimela, Ismaël Lô, Vusi Mahlasela, Busi
Mlhongo, Habib Koité, Sergent Garcia, Salif Keita, Erykah Badu, The Wailers, Youssou N’Dour,
Natacha Atlas and Dobet Gnahoré to mention but a few.
Press:
• “There is one name that stands above the rest when it comes to African contemporary music in
Namibia, and that name undoubtedly is Elemotho.” - New Era, Namibia
• “An inspiring craftsman who makes you want to smile, cry and dance all at once – his songs stir
the mind, charm the soul and explore the intensity of the human spirit.” - Confidente, Namibia
• “Elemotho… the roaming bushman with diverse yet deep songs that provide food for thought,
this winner of the 2012 RFI-France 24 Discoveries Award has been building a reputation beyond the
borders of his homeland Namibia for several years.” - RFI, France

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1. Ga lo itse (“We don’t know”)
This song is an introduction to the album. It features
a poem, composed by Elemotho and recited by Naita
Hishoono to a backdrop of mbira (thumb piano), acoustic
guitar and chanting. The lyrics in Setswana simply state
how we do not know much, we do not ask, yet we
assume. Hence our stereotypes, fears and prejudices.
Elemotho: mbira, lead vocals; Naita Hishoono: poem recital;
Emmanuel Karumazondo: shakers; Samuel Batola: acoustic
guitar, backing vocals; Tilie Nanghama: backing vocals.
Setswana chant:
- Ga lo itse me ga lo itse we
(We don’t know but we don’t ask) (x2)
Poem performed Naita Hishoono
In every land, no matter your spiritual or political stand
Birds sing and babies cry
And that which separates you and I is a lie
But still after a million sunsets,
we shame, blame and then claim the price.
Faceless worries and nameless fears.
Chant: Ga lo itse me ga lo botse we (x2)
(Poem continues)
The wise say,
“After every bitter winter comes a sweet summer.”
That life is a memory and love a song for the heart
So, if birds sing and babies cry
Remember the song you sang before you had a voice
The tears you cried before you knew what pain was
Because that which separates you and I is a lie… a lie
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Chant: Ga lo itse me ga lo botse we (x2)
Ngwana yo na o godile ka legodu le name e kgobilwe
(this child grew up with traditional cooked melon
and stamped meat)
Ngwana yo na o godile ka dikgomo le dinamane we
(this child grew up with cows and calves)
Ngwana yo na o godile (This child grew up with)
Dikubukubu (brown beans)
Ngwana yo na (this child)
2. Beautiful World
Beautiful World is an uplifting song that borrows
from waltz and R&B ballads to provide a relaxed and
positive vibe. The song aspires to seeing beauty even
in negative spaces.
Elemotho: lead vocals, acoustic guitar; Kali Kasinda: piano,
organ; Tayo Kasinda: bass; Fernando Paulus: drum kit;
Samuel Batola: classical/electric guitars, backing vocals;
Tilie Nanghama: backing vocals.
Verse 1:
There is nothing more beautiful than good company
Nothing more beautiful than a true lover’s kiss
There is nothing more beautiful than
the laughter of a child
Nothing more beautiful than those smiling eyes
There is nothing more beautiful…
nothing more beautiful… nothing more beautiful.
Bridge: Itshegeletse… itshegeletse we
(hold on… hold on) (x5)
Chorus:
Beautiful world, what a beautiful world (x2)
Yes it’s a beautiful world, oh what a beautiful world (x2)
Verse 2:
There is nothing more beautiful than the power of music
Nothing more beautiful than a moment of peaceful silence
There is nothing more beautiful than a few kind words
Nothing more beautiful than that pregnant moon
There is nothing more beautiful…
nothing more beautiful… nothing more beautiful.
Bridge: Itshegeletse… itshegeletse we (hold on… hold on)
Chorus:
Beautiful world, what a beautiful world (x2)
It’s a beautiful world, oh what a beautiful world (x2)
Verse 3: Chant:
Heeeeleeeee… hoooloooo…
Heeeeleeeee… hoooloooo…
Itshege, itshege, itshegeletse we (hold, hold, hold on)
Le wena o nale matlho, o nale boboko,
o nale matsogo o nale gotlhegotlhe
(You too have eyes, you have a mind, you have hands,
you have it all)
Itshege, itshege, itshegeletse we (hold, hold, hold on)
Chorus:
Beautiful world, what a beautiful world (x2)
Yes, it’s a beautiful world, oh what a beautiful world (x2)
3. Sediegi
Sediegi is a Setswana word that indirectly translates
to “do not get side-tracked”, it could also mean “do
not be late”. This is originally a traditional choral
funeral song and I have always loved it. This is my folk
version of a song that I knew since I was little. With
this song, I pay homage to those that I loved and lost.
5
Elemotho: lead vocals, acoustic guitar; Emmanuel
Karumazondo: congas, shakers; Samuel Batola: acoustic
guitar, backing vocals; Diego Galaz: violin; Jorge Arribas:
accordion; Tilie Nanghama, Onalena Mogotsi, Nomvula
Kondombolo: choir.
Verse 1:
It’s funny, how everyone was once a child and then
we grow, we think we know everything.
A life lived without a dream is like a stream without water.
Let me say it again!
A life lived without a dream is like a stream without water.
But what do I know? What do I know?
Chorus:
(the chorus is in ‘Damara-Nama’ and the different ‘clicks’
in this language are spelled with the symbols // and #.)
Tshona he a tsamaya, tsamaya (we are leaving, leaving)
tshona he a tsamaya, sediegi (we are leaving, so don’t
be late)
//ib ke ha tshini aaahh, aaaaaahh
(they will remain, crying, crying)
//ib ke ha tshini aaahh, ka //#haibi hare
(they will remain, crying, so come on time) (x2)
Sediegi (don’t be late) (x2)
Ka //#haibi hare (come on time) (x2)
Verse 2:
Don’t cry for me when I am gone
Don’t cry for me when I am gone
Don’t cry, don’t shed no tear for me
If life is love and love is life
Love is life and life is love
I am gonna do what I wanna do
I am gonna go where I want to go
You can be who you want to be
Free is what I am gonna be
Chorus:
Rona re a tsamaya, tsamaya (we are leaving, leaving)
Rona re a tsamaya sediegi (we are leaving, don’t be late)
//ib ke ha tshini aaahh, aaaaaahh (they will remain,
crying, crying)
//ib ke ha tshini aaahh, ka //#haibi hare
(they will remain, crying, so be on time) (x2)
Sediegi (don’t be late)
Ka //#haibi hare (so come on) (x2)
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4. Kuruman
“Kuruman is a traditional choral Setswana song that
traces the roots of most Batswana clans in Namibia all
the way to Kuruman (South Africa). There are many
versions of this traditional tune and it can be heard
in Namibia, Botswana and South Africa. The song
speaks of crossing the Kalahari with its big forests
and dangers. Mind you, the Kalahari is now called
a desert… and this ancient song mentions forests.
Could it be the Kalahari once had flowing rivers?”
Ona Mogotsi: vocals; Elemotho/Tilie Nanghama, Nomvula
Kondombolo: backing vocals.
Performed by Makgona Ngwao Cultural Group Choir
Call: Re tswa kgakala (We come from far)
Response: Re tswa kgakala (We come from far)
Call: Kwa Kuruman (from Kuruman)
Response: Kwa Kuruman (from Kuruman)
Re laletse metlhabe le dikgwa tsa Kgalagadi
(We crossed the dangers and forests of the Kalahari)
Tsa Kgalagadi (of the Kalahari)
5. Heela
Heela is a term in Setswana that expresses “caution”
with the choices you make. The term is used in the
song as a wakeup call to living life to the fullest. Where
I say, “Ke Botshelo bo tshele, ke lehatshe le hana”, it
means, “It’s life, live it, it is the world and it is here…”.
This is a 6/8 acoustic rhythmic song to tap your feet to.
Elemotho: lead vocals, acoustic guitar; Samuel Batola:
classical guitar, backing vocals; Emmanuel Karumazondo:
congas, shakers; Tilie Nanghama: backing vocals.
Chant:
Call: Heeelaaa, heeelaaa
Response: Heeelaaa, heeelaaa (x3)
Ke botshelo bo tshele we (It’s life, live it)
Ke lehatshe le hana (it is the world and it is here) (x2)
Chorus:
Between all that I know and all that I saw
I hope to find the know-how, how to move on (x3)
Call: Heeelaaa, heeelaaa
Response: Heeelaaa, heeelaaa
Ke lerato moratiwa (it’s love, my lover)
A la rona le sa latlhiwa (let our love not be lost)
Chorus:
Between all that I know and all that I saw
I hope to find the know-how, how to move on (x4)
How to move on (x3)
Between all that I know and all that I saw
I hope to find the know-how, how to move on!
6. Black Man
Black Man is a provocative, hard-hitting chant-infused
and lyrical song on the black males’ condition.
Elemotho: lead/backing vocals; Samuel Batola: acoustic/
electric guitars, backing vocals; Yaron Bichacho: dun-
dun, djembe.
Steve Biko said, ‘Black Man you are on your own’
Mother Afrika…
tell me what happened to your sacred stone
We are not living right,
pretending to be happy when we are all alone
Don’t care about no-one… it’s me, my cash,
my car and my cellular phone
Bridge: Re latlhegile we… re latlhegile we
(we are lost… we are lost)
Black Man… what are you gonna do
Black Man… I am talking to you
Fela Kuti said, MUSIC is the weapon of the future
You’ve got to be a student and not just a teacher
Everybody talking money… money or trying to cheat ya
And then on Sunday it’s off to see the preacher
So tell me my friend, how is the spirit gonna reach ya?
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Bridge: Re latlhegile we… re latlhegile we
(we are lost…we are lost)
She is a black woman… what is she gonna do
I am Black Man… I am me and you are you
Black Man… there is a lot more to do
Black Man… who is gonna take care of my children,
if I don’t do
It’s either freedom for all or no freedom at all
7. Beggars and Superstars
An acoustic track on how mortality truly defines both our
connectedness as humans and the true meaning of life…
because no matter who you are, a beggar or a superstar,
we are all here today and then gone tomorrow.
Elemotho: lead/backing vocals, acoustic guitar, shakers;
Samuel Batola: electric guitar, backing vocals; Yaron
Bichacho: dun-dun; Diego Galaz: violin; Tilie Nanghama:
backing vocals.
Verse 1:
Dirisa matlho a na go iponena gonne matlho a na a
diretswe heeleelee (Use these eyes to see, because
these eyes are meant for)
Go bona (seeing) (x4)
Chorus:
No matter who you are, beggar or a superstar
We are all here today and then gone tomorrow (x2)
And then gone tomorrow.
Verse 2:
Dirisa matsogo a na go itswarela gonne matsogo a na a
diretswe (Use these hands to hold because the hands
are meant to)
Go tshwara (hold) (x4)
Chorus:
No matter who you are, beggar or a superstar
We are all here today and then gone tomorrow
And then gone tomorrow.
8. Coming
A blues love song: raw and unapologetic, because life Verse 2:
and love is never really clean or predictable. Play me… like a blues guitar,
I am gonna bleed all over the place
Elemotho: lead vocals; Samuel Batola: classical/electric
I am willing…
guitars, backing vocals; Tilie Nanghama: backing vocals.
willing to be your sun if you will be my moon
Otjiherero Chant: This is your love tune
Ndjo mbwae (Come here you) You drive me crazy… like a madman I am out in these
Mundju wandje ndjo mbwae (oh my person, come here) streets, talking to myself
Oyi… oyi, kurama (Don’t go… don’t go, wait) I am coming… it might be there, it might be gone…
at least I gave it a try
Verse 1:
All this loving… has left a hole in my heart Chorus:
Too much living… Call: Don’t go
has left me spiritually broke and high on hope Response: Don’t go
This town… Ai//ams* you got me addicted to your Cause I am coming, coming for your love
pretty lights and empty streets Call: Oh no
I am here… but tomorrow just told me, Response: Oh no
she’s got a space in her bed I am tired of running away, running away just ‘cause
(* original name for Windhoek; means ‘hot springs’ in the going gets tough
Damara-Nama) I am coming for your love (x4)

Chorus: 9. Pau
Call: Don’t go Pau is a full band melancholic ¾ time song and
Response: Don’t go homage to my second-born son “Pau”. In Catalan the
‘Cause I am coming, coming for your love. name means “Peace”. He is a piece of my peace in this
Call: Oh no here Beautiful World.
Response: Oh no
Elemotho: lead vocals; Samuel Batola: electric guitar,
I am tired of running away just ‘cause the going gets tough backing vocals; Matthieu Saglio: cello; Tayo Kasinda: bass
I am coming for your love (x4) guitar; Kali Kasinda: keyboards; Fernando Paulus; drum kit.
Nana wa ga mama le papa, monae Neo
(child of mommy and daddy, little brother of Neo)
Leina la gago ke Pau, ke Pau
(you are named after Pau, Pau)
(x2)

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Chorus: Viva! La Revolution
I wish I could have done more Viva! For a Solution
I wish could have said something while there was time Viva! No more illusion
But all I can do now is say, I am sorry Viva! No more illusion
But from now I will do right by me and mine
Verse 2:
These eyes are made to see
Tshega o tshege, meno ma sweu (Laugh, laugh,
So tell me how much does it cost to be free (x2)
and show your white teeth)
How much does it cost to be free… to be free! E kare o nole mageu (Like you drank mageu)*
Note: Samuel Batola sings in Lingala. He delivers (* Nb: Mageu is a sweet white porridge soup with sour
one of the most heartfelt Central African odes to milk that we drank a lot when we were little)
peace and freedom, in this haunting and melancholic Chorus/bridge:
lullaby. Anything for a little piece of peace. Viva! La Revolution
Viva! For a Solution
10. Viva
Viva! La Revolution
An upbeat reggae and funk-infused tune. “Ke tla bina
Viva! For a Solution
ka bina ka itumela... a gone mathata mme ke tla a
Viva! No more illusion
tlogela” – “I will dance, dance and be happy, there are
Viva! No more illusion
problems but I will let them go for now. Viva to life
and viva to love!” 11. Remember
Elemotho: lead vocals, acoustic guitar; Kali Kasinda: This is the final track on the album. Essentially, it is
keyboards; Tayo Kasinda: bass; Samuel Batola: electric a musical conversation layered with cautious and
guitar, backing vocals; Yaron Bichacho: djembe; Fernando hopeful lyricism. Because after all, “I want to live in a
Paulus: drum kit; Terry Lewis II: saxophone; Tilie Nanghama: world that remembers how to live, love, think and smile”.
backing vocals.
Elemotho: lead vocals, acoustic guitar; Kali Kasinda:
Verse 1: keyboards; Tayo Kasinda: bass; Samuel Batola: electric
Ke tla bina…. ka bina ka itumela guitar, backing vocals; Fernando Paulus: drum kit; Terry
(I will dance… dance and be happy) Lewis II: saxophone.
A gone mathata, mme ke tla a tlogela Verse1:
(There are problems, but I will let them go) We’re living in a world that does not
Call: Heeeyaaaa, heeeyaaaa, heeeyaaaa (x3) remember how to live
Response: Heeeyaaaa heeeyaaaa heeeyaaaa We’re living in a world that does not
Chorus/bridge: remember how to love
Viva! La Revolution We’re living in a world that does not
Viva! For a Solution remember how to think
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We’re living in a world that does not
remember how to smile
We’re living in a world, we’re living in a world
Bridge:
Where the newspapers and TV don’t talk about anything
Where everybody is on Facebook but absent from reality
Absent from reality
Reality
Bo amaruri bo tla emela ruri
(that which is true will stand truly)
Bo amaruri emela ruri (truth will always stand true)
Verse 2:
I wanna live in a world that remembers how to live
I wanna live in a world that remembers how to love
I wanna live in a world that remembers how to think
I wanna live in a world that remembers how to smile
I wanna live in a world, I wanna live in a world
Bridge:
Where the newspapers and TV talk about something
Where Facebook and Twitter
Connect us to reality
Let’s get connected to reality
Reality
Bo amaruri bo tla emela ruri
(that which is true will stand truly)
Bo amaruri emela ruri (truth will always stand true)
(Rap performed by Elemotho)
Everybody says only their way is sacred
But all I hear is the language of hatred
Do you know they’re still shooting people cause
they’re black
Do you know they’re still killing women and gay
people in 2017
So come on man, use your intellect
Don’t blame it on the scriptures or the internet
That’s why (x4)
I do this for love not just for the pocket
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Have you had enough or do you want me to funk it
Some people have vision and others have sight
This is a love revolution
And I am here to stop the fight, peace!
You see how you made me go NAS on ya
Before Eminem, there was Escobar
(Nasir Oludara Jones aka NastyNas)
Remember, remember?
Chorus:
Got to remember
We need to remember
Please do remember (x6)
Words of Gratitude:
A new sun is on the rise. ‘Beautiful World’ is dedicated
to this new sunrise. A soundtrack of hope, optimism,
freedom and positivity in a world that is slowly leaning
towards cynicism and negativity.
‘Beautiful World’ is available worldwide,
all thanks to the tireless efforts of ARC Music.
Omake, a big and heartfelt gratitude to the musos on
this album - Much Love! Papa Sam, musical brother from
another mother, thanks for sharing your talent and spirit
with me on and off stage, more is to come. Fetén Fetén,
muchísimas gracias chicos. From Namibia to Spain with
love (me quedo aquí!). Monsieur Matt, merci beaucoup,
thanks for connecting France, Spain and Namibia through
the haunting melodies of your violoncello. Wouter, it’s our
third album together, baie dankie my broer!
*Sediegi: For Kenanao, Teko, Selo, Sebang, Gale … tsela
tshweu!!
*Pau: my second-born, this is for you. You and Neo are
our ‘peace’ of love and a reminder that this is indeed a
Beautiful World.
Mboa... It’s been a pleasure.
“A life lived without a dream is like a stream without water.”
- Elemotho
 Elemotho G.R. Mosimane
(Namibia/Botswana/RSA/Spain): All tracks composed, arranged and written by Elemotho
lead vocals, acoustic guitar, mbira, Track 4 traditional, arranged by Elemotho and
composer/arranger on all tracks. performed by Makgona Ngwao Cultural Group
Modern Nomads Choir featuring Elemotho.
(musicians, poets, singers, artists):
Executive producers: Elemotho G.R. Mosimane /
Sam Batola (Congo Brazza): Silvia Sala Giner / Neo Mosimane / Pau Mosimane
elec/ac guitars, lead/backing vocals on all tracks
Musical director: Elemotho
Fernando Pio Paulus (Namibia): Engineered, mixed & mastered by Wouter de Bruyn
drumkit on tracks 2, 9, 10, 11 Recorded at Groove Studios, Windhoek, Namibia
Tayo Kasinda (Namibia): Final master: Diz Heller at ARC Music Productions
bass on tracks 2, 9, 10, 11
Art cover/sleeve design by Nombuwa Malua
Kali Kasinda (Namibia):
Liner notes: Elemotho
piano & keyboards on tracks 2, 9, 10, 11
Typesetting/layout: Sarah Ash
Emmanuel Karumazondo (Zimbabwe):
congas & shakers on tracks 1, 3, 5 ℗ 2017, Elemotho licensed exclusively to
Yaron Bichacho (Israel): ARC Music Productions International Ltd.
dun-dun, djembe on tracks 6, 7,10 © 2017, ARC Music Productions International Ltd.
Terry Lewis II (USA):
saxophone on tracks 10, 11 For Bookings:
Tilie Nanghama (Namibia): Elemotho Management
backing vocals on all tracks elemotho@hotmail.com
Naita Hishoono (Namibia/Germany): Tel: +264812835982
poetess on track 1 www.elemotho.com
Onalenna/Nomvula Kondombolo (Namibia): facebook: Elemotho
choral voices on track 3, 4
Featured Artists:
Sam Batola (Congo Brazza):
voice on track 9
Diego Galaz (Spain - Fetén Fetén):
violin on tracks 3, 7
Jorge Arribas (Spain - Fetén Fetén):
accordion on track 3
Matthieu Saglio (France/Spain):
cello on track 9
11

EUCD 2721
Listen to these albums at our website - www.arcmusic.co.uk
EUCD2432 MY AFRICA – Elemotho
Winner of the 2012 RFI - France 24 Discoveries Award. Namibian-born Elemotho
presents a remarkable album of original songs, sung in his native tongue, Setswana,
English and other Namibian languages. His music (guitars, bass, drums, flute,
percussion, vocals) has a touch of rhythms from the Kalahari Desert, mixed with ethnic
and global sounds, the ‘calling of the rain’ combined with emphatic messages for our
modern times.
EUCD2485 AFRICA MOO BAALU – Sousou & Maher Cissoko
“The music reaches heart to heart with gentle persuasion… The more you listen, the more
you enjoy.” Yusuf Mahmoud, Director, Sauti za Busara Festival, Zanzibar
Gorgeous, goosebumps-creating music with intimate vocals and virtuoso kora
playing backed by guitar, double bass and percussion. Truly soulful music that will
bring you to a peaceful place of your heart. Info about the artists and each of the
songs in English and German.
EUCD2607 AFRICAN HARMONIES – Siyabonga – We Thank You – Insingizi
A beautiful and relaxed a cappella album, Siyabonga is Insingizi’s 3rd international
release following their two critically acclaimed CDs, Voices of Southern Africa Volume 1
& 2 (Vol. 1 sold over 250,000 in the USA & Canada). Siyabonga means Thank you in the
Isindebele language of Zimbabwe and this CD is dedicated to their fans, who have
been there from day one.
EUCD2630 AFRIKA MAMAS
Three times South African Music Awards nominees, the Afrika Mamas have toured far
and wide (China, UK, Sweden, Spain, Burkina Faso…), presenting their Mbube style a
cappella singing. Richly textured, delightful multi-part close harmony singing in the
style of Ladysmith Black Mambazo.
EUCD2585 22 STRINGS / CORDES – Seckou Keita
Following his award-winning collaboration with the Welsh harpist Catrin Finch,
Seckou presents his new solo album 22 Strings. Keita has arguably become one of
the most influential and inspiring kora players of his generation, an exceptional
and charismatic musician. On 22 Strings he explores what it means to be a modern
global citizen, and yet to live with seven centuries of tradition and heritage expressed
through music. He gives us the kora in its purity, a wondrous instrument that can take
the human spirit to a place of deep meditation, stillness and beauty.