Gaborone welcomes a new musical talent, Thuto Rantao, who has officially launched her career with a debut EP titled "Baloi." Thuto, daughter of acclaimed jazz artiste Kearoma Rantao, introduces a distinctive sound that masterfully blends traditional Southern African rhythms and vocal stylings with contemporary pop, dance, and afro rhythm production techniques. She describes this fusion as a sound that is both globally appealing and deeply rooted in African heritage.

The EP, consisting of three tracks—"Baloi," "Wena," and "Sdoba"—showcases Thuto's unique musical vision. The title track, "Baloi," which loosely translates to witches or sorcerers, is not meant to be taken literally. Instead, Thuto explained in an interview that it serves as a metaphor for the powerful, unseen forces that shape an individual's journey, encompassing cultural, societal, or self-imposed influences. "Baloi," she asserts, is about embracing one's own power and magic, and challenging the beliefs that hinder personal growth. It represents a sonic declaration of her origins and her aspirations, marking a new chapter in her musical expression.

The 27-year-old artiste's journey to this debut has been marked by both triumphs and challenges. She rose to prominence after winning the "My African Dream" competition in 2021. However, her musical path dates back even further to her participation in the local singing show "My Star Botswana," an experience that, despite ending in elimination, did not deter her dreams. Thuto credits a strong support system, particularly her mother and The Women of Jazz, as significant inspirations, whose hard work has consistently encouraged her to aim high, even during difficult times.

Despite being Kearoma Rantao's daughter, Thuto is determined not to be confined by genre boundaries, emphasizing her desire to demonstrate versatility in her sound. Her passion lies in creating music that resonates with a broad and diverse audience. The release of "Baloi" signifies the official commencement of a promising career, with Thuto already planning future collaborations in December with artistes such as Sal Angel (on "Betrayed"), Jungle Yard, Motlha (on "Wena"), and even her mother, Kearoma Rantao, on the track "Ina Lebe- Ke a roma." Looking ahead, Thuto shared her ambitious plan to release a full album next year, encouraging fans to anticipate more music from her.