@Mpho_Sebina's 'Lora' Album Turns 2

Mpho Sebina's 2nd Album 'Lora' has officially turned 2 but obviously me being me, I ended up writing about the birthday the day after so I may be a day late but that doesn't mean that we can't show love to this masterpiece.

It was on the 6th of November 2020 on a very bloomy day as the skies were dark blue with lots of clouds and I remember this day as my morning had not started yet and I was preparing to relax as I was having a very long week ahead so rest was indeed necessary. I then went on Instagram around 09:30 to check out what was happening on the internet and boom, Mpho Sebina had released a new body of work titled 'Lora' but at that time it was only up on Apple Music as well as YouTube and later placed on other DSPs.      

I was fairly new to her music as I was still hooked to 'Neo' and I remember at that time I was battling with a lot of dull emotions and depression. I never wanted to leave the house for anything as I was on a journey of trying to find myself as well as positioning myself in a place where I could be happy and the only thing that could lift my mood up is music. Her music allowed me to explore different parts of my mind through just plugging in my earphones and streaming and just laying in my bed. I found comfort in it. 

I then went over to streaming the album in the afternoon as I was preparing to cook supper and each song just triggered me to a breaking point of wanting to cry out all of my problems and this was good as it was what I needed but I couldn't somehow cry. I don't know why but after some time cooking and listening to the album I began to just accept my emotions and tapped into the soulful side of my mind and heart. I of course broke down later on as I began to feel overwhelmed by emotions. 

Anyways, this is not about me but rather about the masterpiece 'Lora'. I found this project as a very spiritual project as I was moved by each motion within the jazzy beats and her vocals whilst hearing her recite the most soothing lyrics in her native tongue, SeTswana as at some point, home felt like home to a point where I began imagining a field in an area where joy, peace and unity existed as my soul felt at ease after listening to the album continuously. It evoked more than just sad emotions but also healing. I found myself on a path of healing all because of this album, hence it is my top favourite. She addresses numerous things in this beautiful project from 'friendships' to 'death'. She dedicated 'Where You belong' to a fellow either Friend or family member that unfortunately passed on and all she could do is sing out her tears in the song as she wants them to rest in peace.

'Dikeledi' also received stunning black and white visuals that were a mixture of art as she included sign language as well as subtitles as she performed the single in the most silent way possible. If anything she utilised on objects to further communicate the sole message of the single and without a doubt many received the message very well.

'Lora' is a project that you should give a listen if you haven't given it a listen as it weighs a very stellar production. The album is a mixture of Live production and story telling as certain instrumentals were created from scratch with an actual band as the sound experience if that kind if they had producers creating the sounds without a band. Each single has its own unique style as it showcased Mpho Sebina's ability to be versatile with Joyful songs and more Soulful singles. You can tell that it was Jazz inspired as it has numerous jazzy elements and I also loved the fact that was and still is a very Culture Rich project and from my point of view will live forever to share the tales of Botswana.

As we celebrate the album turning 2 years it is important to also celebrate the artist as she continues to expand the soulful-jazz sound within her craft and I am excited to hear more of her new music as I very much loved 'Tsela Tshweu'. May her music continue to offer healing and touch people in the way it is intent to touch people.

Stream 'Lora' by Mpho Sebina below: