Music
Thato Jessica drops ‘Count on Me’ with Open Mic Productions
These are exciting times for the Botswana music scene, the quality is not even a matter of debate anymore. It’s about the moves being made, business transacted, collaborations that grow music culture, and deals being put on the table, and one that we can speak of is Thato Jessica’s announcement that she’s signed to South Africa’s Open Mic Productions – one of Mzansi’s big label with a roster that other’s envy.
Open Mic bringing her on heralds a journey of growth continued, and her single ‘Count on Me’ definitely signals work at a higher level with the single already featuring on last week’s ‘Track of the Week’. If the names housed under the label are anything to go by, then we can assume that she’ll get the same level of support that her label mates such as Mapara A Jazz, Master KG, Prince Benza, Makhadzi and many more enjoy – meaning bigger things for her. Play her new single here
Some songs flex, some songs motivate, and some hit that rare balance—a track that both lifts you up and keeps it real. Don Thugga’s “Tumelo Tshepo”? It’s that joint. A smooth, introspective cut that’s drenched in hustle mentality, it’s hope music—but without the corny aftertaste.
From the jump, Thugga laces the beat with grind talk, laying out the realities of chasing a dream, the work that goes into it, and the doubters who sit on the sidelines. But instead of getting caught in the noise, he stays locked in—hopeful, hungry, and locked into his purpose.
The weight of Dramaboi’s influence looms large here. You feel it. This isn’t just a name-drop; it’s a genuine nod to a mentor, a motivator, a believer in his craft. And then there’s the deeper personal layer—“Tshepo” isn’t just a concept, it’s his mother’s name. That’s the kind of detail that makes the record hit differently.
Production-wise, the song keeps it clean, no gimmicks, letting Don Thugga’s wordplay and presence carry the weight. It’s an easy listen, but not in a throwaway way—it sits with you, lingers in your mind after the beat fades.
Complex Verdict:
🔹 Vibes? ✅
🔹 Message? ✅
🔹 Replay value? ✅
🔥 Final Score: 7.3/10 – Authentic, heartfelt, and a must-add to your grind playlist. Don Thugga isn’t just talking the talk—he’s walking it. Stream “Tumelo Tshepo” now. 🎧
Some new music from Lord Rico and he’s pouring his heart out on this song. Take time to stream this and tap into what he’s saying, visualizer video included
Check out the latest summer-themed song from Hippy Bambino, featuring Quxncy, Lissie Rob, Chubbito, and Apollo D. This cool, 90s-inspired hip-hop track captures a laid-back vibe and celebrates having fun with music. It’s an exciting time for the Hippy Bambino brand as they expand beyond clothing and tap into the music scene. Stream it here.
