What next for GIMC? :: Mmegi Online

Gaborone International Music and Culture (GIMC) week, a weeklong event that runs from end of August to beginning of September, closed the year in tragedy. The tragic death of a fan, who perished in a stampede at the National Stadium gates, tainted the event and almost led to a permanent ban on music festivals at stadiums and public places last year. Almost 10 months later, the event has already lined up notable headliners to solidify their stance as one of the biggest events to attend in Africa. Arts & Culture's MOMPATI TLHANKANE spoke to GIMC founder, Thapelo Pabalinga, to get a feel of what would be different this time around

A&C: From Kirk Whalum and Jonathan Butler last year to Musiq SoulChild this year, what is the biggest improvement about this year’s headliners in the Jazz festival?

Pabalinga: Musiq Soulchild appeals to a slightly younger audience as compared to Kirk and JB. In terms of appeal and following, Musiq Soulchild is far more popular, I don’t want to say he is a bigger artist, but he certainly commands more following. If you look at some of his record sales there are in excess of 10 million, Youtube views for some of his videos in excess of 35 million.

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