Roots Live Sessions taps into Ghetto’s live events scene
Mompati Tlhankane | Sunday November 28, 2021 06:00
The event, hosted every Thursday in Francistown at Molapo Leisure Gardens, caters for Hip-hop, Reggae, Ragga, Rap, Poetry, Art and Open Mic.
“Francistown as a city doesn’t have some interactive events and we believe that Roots Live Sessions is so relevant for real music lovers and also is an event to warm up for weekend events.
Bonang added that they also promote public art through the event. He revealed that art works are displayed as the backdrop and fillers of the stage. “We welcome all various artists to come showcase their works. We also have some live painting activities. We know that as a nation we are still far in appreciating art but our belief is this event is the other way of taking art to the people,” he highlighted.
Bonang indicated that they encourage people to attend the show because the latter acts as therapy after a hectic week. “It is so refreshing to listen to a live band and we also allow our guests to participate in open mic sessions or karaoke,” he disclosed.
Looking back to how the idea started, Bonang said he met Steppin Razor through Kopano Mantswe who is one of the founders of the band which was formed in 1997 as a reggae band. “He assisted us during the Francistown Arts Meeting events, and during our interaction we realised that playing live music is not popular like it used to be so we decided to come up with the concept because we believe that live music is value for money to consumers,” Bonang recalled.
He said they felt that it will be wise to engage Steppin Razor as the legend band so that they can share their experience with other musicians. Bonang said they encourage all their artists to participate in the event and have rehearsals with the band before the show because it makes a positive impact on those who do not have experience playing with a band.
“We are pleading for sponsors to come on board as we believe that this show is good for the future of our music and art. Our belief is performing arts and visual arts can sell the country when fused together and at the same time document our culture,” he added.
Bonang said while their resident band is Steppin Razor, their MC is Lisa Mags who is also a contemporary artist and fashion designer. “We also have Querap and Joe Black as our resident artists.
The event is supported by Events Live and Francistown Arts Meeting”.