Makhadzi grateful for Batswana's love, support
Goitsemodimo Kaelo | Sunday February 20, 2022 06:00
The talented artist is scheduled to stage a one-woman show at the Royal Aria Stadium in Tlokweng on March 26, 2022 courtesy of Gilbert Promotions. The event is anticipated to attract a large following after her successful shows during the previous festive season. The Mjolo hitmaker was the most booked artist this past festive season headlining big events such as the People’s Festival, Home Coming Concert, Kanye Festive Explosion and the Festive Opener with Makhadzi among others.
Her demand locally prompted her and Gilbert Promotions to stage a one-woman show that will give her enough time to perform to the satisfaction of her local fans. When she first announced on her social media account that she will be donating 10% of the show proceeds to charity there were some South African fans who bashed her for choosing to do the show in Botswana than South Africa. They said charity begins at home.
However, when briefing members of the media in Gaborone Wednesday, Makhadzi said the love she receives from Batswana has made her feel like it is her second home. “This is a tour and I chose to start it with Botswana. The love and support Batswana have given me means a lot to my career and myself. You people have really shown love to me throughout since I did my first show in Gaborone. I cried all the time because I could feel the love as Batswana were singing along to my songs despite the language barrier,” said Makhadzi. Makhadzi said the idea is to show every ordinary young girl who dares to dream that it is possible to succeed in life.
Her manager Dineo Dlamini from Open Mic Productions said despite the borders and cultural differences, Batswana and South Africans have become a family through music. She expressed excitement at the partnership with Gilbert Promotions. “We are excited to be here and we hope to bring the best of Makhadzi and bring joy, laughter and excitement to Batswana. You people have shown us love,” she added. For his part Gilbert ‘PP wa Pimp’ Seagile said as part of the relationship with Open Mic Productions, they will host a cultural exchange workshop on March 24, 2022.
PP wa Pimp as Seagile is known said the idea is to share experiences and provide mentorship platforms between the locals and South Africans as well as use the opportunity to market local artists to the South African market.
He explained that the idea is to have testimonies post the Tlokweng festival. The Assistant Minister of Health and Wellness Setlhomo Lelatisitswe said government appreciates the collaboration between Makhadzi and Gilbert Promotions.
However, he cautioned events organisers to ensure adherence to health protocols. Lelatisitswe said the emergence of new variants shows that the world is not yet out of the woods and could plunge back if there is no caution. In an attempt to clarify previous comments made by President Mokgweetsi relating to Makhadzi after her first show in Gaborone in 2021, the minister said the president uttered the words as just cautionary message, nothing more.