Mmasonoko: The Album That Started my Africa Jazz Journey

Every artist has a beginning—a moment that defines their path and sets the tone for everything that follows. For me, that moment was the release of my first album, Mmasonoko in 2012. It wasn’t just music; it was a statement, a dream realized, and the foundation of my journey into African jazz.

When I started working on Mmasonoko, I wanted to create something authentic—music that reflected my roots while embracing the sophistication of jazz. The name itself carries meaning: resilience, creativity, and the beauty of staying true to who you are.

Recording Mmasonoko was a mix of excitement and challenge. We didn’t have financial backing so we were self funded and naturally our budget was very limited, but we had passion. Long nights in the studio, endless rehearsals, and the energy of talented musicians who believed in the vision made this album possible.

One of the most defining aspects of this project was working with Jean-Michel Byron, the legendary producer and former lead singer of Toto who volunteered to help. His experience and artistry brought a unique dimension to the album. Jean Michel understood my vision for blending African rhythms with jazz improvisation and helped shape the sound into something timeless. His guidance in the studio was invaluable—every note, every arrangement carried his touch of excellence.

Each song on Mmasonoko tells a story—of love, identity, and culture. These tracks were my way of sharing pieces of myself with the world. Even today, performing these songs brings back the same joy I felt on release day.

This album opened doors I never imagined. It introduced me to audiences beyond Botswana and gave me the confidence to keep creating. Mmasonoko wasn’t just the start of my career—it was the heartbeat of everything that came after.

If you haven’t heard it yet—or if you want to relive the magic—stream Mmasonoka on your favorite platform: 
🎧 Spotify | Apple Music | Amazon Music

I’d love to hear from you! Which track from Mmasonoka speaks to you the most? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

#Mmasonoko

#NnunuRamogotsi

#AfricanJazz

#JazzMusic

#BotswanaMusic

#Jean MichelByron

#JazzLovers

#MusicBlog

#BehindTheMusic

#AlbumStory