Ban-T’s evolution: Crafting hits and curating events in Botswana

19 Jul 2024 - 08:06

Published under the Creative Commons Licence

In the constantly changing world of hip hop, only a few artists manage to stay relevant for more than a decade. Ban-T, a Motswana tastemaker, has been a significant figure in Botswana’s hip hop culture for nearly 10 years. Since his debut, Ban-T’s journey has evolved from high school freestyling to becoming a renowned hip hop artist both locally and internationally. His versatility is evident as he has taken on various roles, from being a multi-award-nominated artist to an event curator. And this is just the beginning of his impactful career.

Ban-T.

“My journey started way back in high school when my friends and I started a rap group,” Ban-T reminisces. “We would freestyle around school every day – whether in class, at the basketball courts, or on the football field. We always joined the school talent showcases, and I never looked back since. I knew this is what I wanted to do forever.”

Ban-T’s debut single, ‘Whyso Faded Anthem’, was a pivotal moment in his career. The song’s success not only put him on the map but also set the tone for his future endeavours. “When creating ‘Whyso Faded Anthem’, I already knew it was going to be the one that would put us on the map. I just didn’t know to what extent. The reception it received blew my mind. I learned to be prepared for anything and started taking my brand more seriously.”

Following this breakthrough, Ban-T released ‘Naomi’ in 2016, a track that further solidified his place in the Botswana music scene. “With the success of ‘Whyso Faded Anthem’, there were doubts and people calling me a one-hit wonder. I had to prove to myself that it wasn’t a fluke. When I received the ‘Naomi’ beat from Takunda, I knew this was it. The song did more than we expected and won about four Yarona FM Music Awards, solidifying my name in the industry.”

In 2017, Ban-T released his album The Bantastic Experience (TBE), marking a significant milestone in his artistic journey. “Working on TBE was a challenging but enjoyable process. I had gotten used to recording a bunch of songs in search of the next single but had no plan to create a solid body of work. Producers like Obado, Takunda, Francois, Bangu and PrezBeats played a big role in helping me mould this project. It was special because I developed my recording process and learned different ways of making music.”

Ban-T’s signature style – trap beats and party anthems – has kept his sound fresh and exciting with each new release. “My recording process always starts with the hook. If you’ve got an undeniable hook, the verses won’t matter as much. Producers noticed that I excelled with party anthems, so they sent me party-type beats, and I enjoyed making hooks on those, which became my signature sound.”

Reflecting on his career, Ban-T acknowledges the challenges he’s faced and overcome. “We face challenges almost every other day. I don’t see them as challenges but as obstacles with a way around them. Rejection, for instance, motivates me to work harder. One key to success is collaboration. Working together with other local creatives makes the scene more exciting and helps it grow faster.”

Beyond music, Ban-T has ventured into event curation, putting together some of the leading lifestyle events in Botswana. “Putting together events and experiences has become a passion. Bringing people together has always been my thing, so why not make some money off it? These experiences give me a lot of content that influences my artistry.”

Looking ahead, Ban-T has valuable advice for upcoming artists. “First and foremost, always be yourself. That way, you find your uniqueness. Do your research because you never stop learning. Find your ‘why’ – your purpose – and fulfil it. That way, you’ll always remember why you started and why you should keep going.”