Local Afro Jazz artistes meet at Satchmo's

LEKOPANYE MOOKETSI
Correspondent | Wednesday June 4, 2008 00:00

 

It started with Lister Boleseng who had to perform for two successive weekends because of popular demand.  Always a perfectionist, Boleseng left a mark after his last show.  It would not be a surprise if he were to be back at Satchmo's again.  The good thing about local music these days is that the artistes have recorded their own albums unlike during the old days.  This has earned them much respect from music followers. 

 next artiste to stage at Satchmo's after Boleseng, was the queen of Afro jazz, Punah Gabasiane who also conquered the audience.  Punah left a lasting impression as many people were happy with her performance. 

Last Saturday it was another local giant, Ndingo Johwa who was doing his own thing.  Johwa started his show early.  Johwa can take you places with his unique style of Kalanga music.  Like an old wine, he seems to be mellowing with age. 

Although he is singing in Ikalanga, other Batswana who do not understand the language appreciate his music.  Johwa's music is not about tribalism but preserving culture. On Saturday, Johwa was in control during his show as he called the shots.  You could hear him roaring like a lion.  Interestingly, he also seems to be enjoying his music as he could be seen dancing jubilantly.  Johwa's backing singers were also a delight to watch as they went through their paces. Johwa rendered songs from his forthcoming album.  He has promised, it is going to be hot stuff.  You could not disagree if you listened to some of the tracks that he churned out on Saturday. 

He said the album should be ready before the end of the month as he is still working on the finishing touches.

Although he is producing a new album, Johwa's old music still remains popular.  You could have seen Satjilombe doing it on Saturday. Even though this was a good show, some patrons at Satchmo's were becoming rowdy.  When the band was playing, the crowd in front of the stage, obscured those who were seated.  This is an unwelcome development because other people are denied a chance to watch the band for which they pay.  If such people are not called to order they will turn Satchmo's into a shebeen of some sort. 

For the sake of non-smokers, smoking should also be banned inside the club.  People are always smoking all over even on the dancing floor and this is really unfair for non-smokers.  Imagine somebody smoking in a crowded dancing floor. During the break, even Johwa himself could not stand the fumes inside the hall and had to seek shelter outside. 

There is an open space towards the toilets, which could be reserved for smoking. But despite these shortcomings, Satchmo's still remains a secure place. Meanwhile, on Saturday Satchmo's will be hosting Norwegian-based Banjo Mosele.  Mosele was on the line- up of artistes who performed at letlhafula cultural event held at Botswana Marketing Craft last Saturday. His performance was so touching especially when members of a Basarwa group started to dance to his music delightfully.

Mosele is also one of the Botswana musical giants, having been in the field for close to three decades. 

Mosele used to be a member of the Kalahari band, which was playing with South Africa's trumpet virtuoso Hugh Masekela.  He accompanied Masekela with other local musicians to the United Kingdom (UK) in the 80s.  When things did not work well for them, Mosele fended for himself in the UK.  At some stage he was basking in the streets. 

Although he is based overseas, he is still promoting Setswana culture.  Mosele does not need any introduction to patrons of Satchmo's because he had performed there in the past.  Last year, he  performed with the Molepolole-based folk singer, Stampore.