Biography
The Artist
A multi-award-winning Botswana Afro-jazz and soul vocalist, performer, entrepreneur and cultural storyteller whose musical journey spans more than 27 years.
Kearoma Rantao
Kearoma Rantao is a multi-award-winning Botswana Afro-jazz and soul vocalist, performer, entrepreneur and cultural storyteller whose musical journey spans more than 27 years, beginning in 1999.
Her career began as the lead vocalist of the Afro-pop group Excutedge, followed by years of cabaret and hotel performances across Botswana from around 2000. These formative years shaped her versatility as a live performer and established the foundation for a career deeply rooted in music, storytelling and African identity.
A Musical Journey
By the mid-2000s, Kearoma had become an active force within Botswana’s jazz scene, recording and performing with ensembles including Women of Jazz Botswana, Re Batswana, and the Kalahari Roses Ensemble - a unique collaboration between musicians from Botswana and Europe.
Her catalogue reflects both her individual artistry and her love for collaboration, with early projects including Monate, and Tales from Botswana, recorded with musicians from Germany and Ireland.
In 2012, Kearoma released her debut solo Afro-jazz album, When the Music Plays. The album marked an important milestone in her career and established her as a distinctive voice within Botswana’s contemporary jazz landscape.
She continued her musical journey with Ina Lebe – Ke a Roma and, in 2024, released Botshelo, further exploring the intersection of Afro-jazz, soul and Setswana musical expression.
Zambezi Soul
In 2026, Kearoma released Zambezi Soul, an eight-track album that represents another significant chapter in her artistic evolution. Launched in August 2026 at a gala evening at Avani Hotel & Resort in Gaborone, it brings together Afro-jazz, soul and Setswana expression, drawing from Kearoma’s experiences, African identity and more than two decades of musical growth.
Recognition
Over the course of her career, Kearoma has received significant recognition both in Botswana and internationally. She is a multiple Botswana Music Awards (BOMU) winner, with honours including Best Female, Best Afro Jazz, Best Jazz Album and Best Packaged Album.
She has also been nominated for Best Female – Southern Africa at the AFRIMMA Awards in Dallas, Texas, and for Jazz Artist of the Year at the Basadi in Music Awards in South Africa for her socially conscious single Keledi Marameng.
Beyond Music
Kearoma’s creative journey extends beyond the stage. She is the creative force behind Cheri Fashions Studio, an entrepreneurial venture that brings together her passion for fashion, creativity and African expression.
In 2024, she established Africa Meropa Records, laying the foundation for a new chapter in her journey - one focused not only on creating music, but on creating opportunities for others.
Career figures
- Years of performing
- 27
- Albums released
- 4
- BOMU award winner
- Multi
- Countries performed in
- 9
Music with meaning
Beyond the stage
Gender-based violence awareness
Keledi Marameng was written and released as part of the national conversation on gender-based violence.
Women in jazz
A founding force behind Women of Jazz Botswana and a long-standing member of Kalahari Roses.
Charity and community
Years of fundraising performances supporting underprivileged children, mothers and community projects.
Talent Development
Founder of Africa Meropa Records, a platform designed to help the next generation of African artists find their voice and build sustainable careers.
Journey
Milestones along the way
1999
First stages
Begins performing as a lead singer in an Afro-pop group, learning the craft in front of live audiences.
2000s
Cabaret years
Cabaret and hotel residencies across Botswana build the phrasing and stamina behind the voice.
2008
Monate
An early album under Black Money Makers, alongside collaborative work including Tales from Botswana.
2012
When the Music Plays
Her debut solo Afro-jazz album arrives, following ensemble work with Women of Jazz Botswana.
2024
Ina Lebe - Ke a Roma
A new album and the single Botshelo reach streaming platforms worldwide.
2026
Zambezi Soul
An eight-track album launched at Avani Hotel and Resort, with Keledi Marameng carrying a GBV awareness message.