‘Debbie with a T’ joins French Lion King Musical
Mompati Tlhankane | Sunday September 5, 2021 06:00
The accomplished vocalist will be an ensemble singer and an understudy for the role of Rafiki for a year. The 32-year-old auditioned for the part in Cape Town in 2019 and managed to secure herself a role in The Lion King which tells a unique tale and has moved over 100 million spectators worldwide. Gaetsewe developed her passion for performance at senior secondary school, which led her to study Drama at Tshwane University in Pretoria, South Africa. On her return to Botswana, Gaetsewe performed at live music concerts. She then played the lead role in Bye Bye Birdie, as well as being a keen participant in the local poetry scene.
Her versatile voice and personality has taken her to sing jazz, neo-soul, traditional folk and alternative rock music. She has participated in several events locally including Maitisong Arts Festival, the Maun International Arts Festival, the Jazz Exchange, the annual President's Day Concert and the De Beers Entrepreneur Catalyst. She opened for international artists such as actress Anne Kansiime and R&B/Soul singer Joss Stone. Debbie with a T is very successful as a singer; she already has three singles to her credit: Letsatsi, My Star and Nkamogele. She is currently working on her first album.
The lady who is passionate about the stage, recently held a virtual festival on Facebook where she performed for her fans for the last time before heading to France. Gaetsewe has said this is a big opportunity for her because she has never expected to take part in a production of this scale. The production called Le Roi Lion in French returns to Paris at the Théâtre Mogador 13 years after its first successful run.
The majestic backdrop of the Serengeti Plain accompanied by enchanting tones of Africa provides the setting for this spectacle, with a story equally as powerful. This is a tale of Simba’s epic adventure in pursuit of his destiny - being King of the Land of Lions. The Minister of Youth Empowerment, Sport and Culture Development Tumiso Rakgare recently bid Gaetsewe farewell and wished her all the best.
He said Gaetsewe will be a true ambassador abroad and an inspiration to other artists who have big dreams.