Local artists dominate Into Africa Eastern Picnic
Larona Makhaiza | Sunday March 31, 2024 13:21
The event is set to take place on March 31st at Adashe Garden in Thamaga. In an interview with Arts&Culture this week, Thuso Mohurutshe, organiser of the event stated that it is their wish to see through that no Motswana is left behind. Artists could therefore use the platform to make a name for themselves in the music fraternity. “Just like everyone, we know how hosting international artists can really be good to an event but I can say that our main objective is to promote and uplift local talent as they need the support considering how our industry is in Botswana,” Mohurutshe exclaimed.
To demonstrate that the event is all about local acts that are trying to make a name for themselves, it does not even consist of big artists from Botswana such as Vee Mampeezy or Charma Gal. The picnic boasts of people like Leb Gee who began his career behind the decks just last year, young MC Msato, Romeo Tha Medley, DJ Taitha, Thunder Force Polka Group, Nono Siile and many more on the line-up including the surprise act. Despite throwing their weight behind local talent, Mohurutshe highlighted that they also hope to book SA artists once they have the capital and the means to do so. “We have approached a few potential sponsors and ended up hitting a dead-end block, but we wish to have international acts at one point and without sponsors it is a hustle to be honest,” he said.
Though it is their wish to grow, the organiser disclosed that Into Africa Easter Picnic will continue to support local artists adding that it does not stop at performances. “We always have stalls for locals to showcase their crafts and products to potential customers who might be among attendees,” he remarked. Moreover, Mohurutshe stated that he will use the event to honour his sister who passed on a fortnight ago before the event could take place. He said he had a choice to postpone it but found it fit to honour her dearest sister. Tickets for the picnic sell P60 (early bird), which are sold out; P80 standard while kids will only cough out P50 to get in.