This rising singer who began singing at church, to being chosen to represent the district says she is eager to bring the trophy home. Olerato Matee, a 20-year-old female vocalist, appears to be on the path of becoming one of Mahikeng's best artists. Olerato is from the most well-known township in Mahikeng, Montshioa, a township that has produced many artists.
"I started singing a while back at church, but I did not take it seriously. Then I started participating in the school choir until I got the chance to sing my first solo at a school choir competition although I did not go provincial,” Olerato explained.
Olerato continued her path with the Ethnocentric Community Centre, which works with performing arts. She was eventually granted a chance to perform at one of their events. Before the Platinum Gospel Music Awards, Olerato sang at the Miss High School Competition at Mmabana Theatre.
She also founded a school acapella choir that performs in extracurricular activities. She tried out for the Taung Cultural Calabash and was placed second. She then went on to try out the Mmabana
Ultimate Talent search but was unsuccessful. Having fought the challenges of self-esteem and stage fright, she was determined not to let failure hold her back thus realizing the dream of performing on stage with well-known artists.
Olerato entered the Platinum Gospel Music Awards competition where she won position one from Mahikeng and was selected as the first female solo to represent the Ngaka Modiri Molema district against other competitors from different districts in February 2023.
She stated, "Realizing how far my talent can lead me has been the pinnacle of my career so far. Singing means the world to me, it helps me express how I feel and it cures me from within.”She added that besides bringing the district to the spotlight, winning this award would mean that she has faced her fears and will finally get a chance to enlarge herself in the industry.
Olerato advised aspiring musicians to keep working hard because it would eventually pay o .
"Yes, you will meet difficulties and hurdles throughout your journey, but do not give up," she concluded.
