- A cultural and musical homecoming
Afro-Jazz artist Mambo Ntema continues to make cultural waves with the release of his 5th studio album, Back to Our Roots.
The 15-track project captures the essence of Botswana’s cultural diversity, combining traditional drums, folk guitars, and Afro-Jazz harmonics into a sound that is both nostalgic and refreshing. Ntema describes the album as a documentation of his cultural musical journey — a reflection of maturity, identity, and gratitude.
“With Back to Our Roots album, I am documenting the cultural musical side of my artistic expressions,” he explained. “The album has a folklore flavor, showcasing my traditional drumming experience that incorporates Afro Jazz melodies. The songs have a storytelling and gratitude effect, embracing the roots and cultural diversity of a young man who is from the Okavango Delta.”
Having spent over 15 years in Chobe as a Cultural Entrepreneur, Ntema has performed in numerous corporate and tourism events, blending drum therapy, traditional dance, and live Afro-Jazz experiences. He believes Back to Our Roots mirrors that journey — a symbolic dialogue between music, nature, and culture.
“The album is a symbolic interaction with maturity, nature, culture and music,” he said. “It takes us on a journey to the village, promoting the cultural assets, heritage, people and wildlife.”
A trained sociologist, Ntema’s background in research, land rights, and human advocacy adds a deeper layer to his storytelling. His work with minority groups in Northern Botswana has shaped his view of society and influenced his artistry.
“I am a Sociologist, and my past work experience in the public and corporate sector as an Applied Researcher and Land Rights officer has also influenced my creative diversity as a storyteller, writer and musician,” he shared. “I have learned a lot as a social interactionist, and that has shaped my view of society as an active member of this nation.”
Culturally, the album celebrates Botswana’s multilingual identity, featuring Setswana, Shiyeyi, Thimbukushu, and Chikuhane (Subiya). The songs are enriched with traditional rhythms such as Setapa, Phathisi, Hosanna, Kharakhara, Mudokota, iNshembiro, Seperu, Tsutsube and Diware.
“It has an authentic vibe,” he said. “The album takes pride in Botswana’s cultural and social diversity.”
The songs themselves weave between social commentary and folklore. Tracks like Dikgoberego explore themes of gender-based violence, Chobe celebrates the people and wildlife of the riverside district, while Ruba Ranga and Kuri Ndi Ndi pay homage to ancestral wisdom and indigenous conservation.
“The album is therapeutic and leaves a lasting impression on the listener,” Ntema reflected. “The songs are crafted for a relaxed mind and soul. Serenaded by unique melodies, powerful storyline and informative lyrical delivery.”
Recorded, mixed, and mastered at Hash Tag Music, the album also features collaborations with artists such as Thato “Koolkat Motyiko” Kavinja and Bolton “Iku Oracle” Kakungu, as well as a visually striking music video for Ruba Ranga, filmed at the Kasane Hot Spring Monument.
Now streaming on Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube Music, Deezer, and other platforms, Back to Our Roots is more than just an album — it’s a patriotic, therapeutic, and sonically rich reminder of Botswana’s cultural pride.
“It has an African and international appeal as a compilation of the voice and music from the motherland,” Ntema concluded. “It is a patriotic package for cultural tourism experiences.”
