Clap & Tap Festival accommodates other gospel genres
Nnasaretha Kgamanyane | Monday February 24, 2025 13:32
In an interview with the founder of Mabaila Foundation, Tshepang Mabaila, he told Arts&Culture that they decided to increase choirs and be inclusive of Zion, Macecilia and Mokhukhu to accommodate other churches whose members will attend the event. He attributed the growth of some churches to the choirs that have been part of the festival. “The payments we give to the choirs help them to purchase their members uniforms and other logistics at their choirs. We will also be contributing 20% to athletics clubs to purchase spikes for their athletes, especially those that are not doing well as part of our efforts to contribute to the growth of sport, especially athletics,' said Mabaila.
'The is a youthful event, with most of the choirs also being youth dominated. This is the third year we are hosting this event and we are thrilled to announce that in the last two years, we saw growth in the music, which was not much regarded as a Clap & Tap music,” he added. Mabaila pointed out that in the past, many people considered Clap & Tap music as for certain people in the society. It was associated with rituals and traditions. He says he saw the need to close that gap and show people that this music is for everyone.
He said through his efforts, the music has also been recognised by government, which was a great milestone for him. He further explained that the public loves the music, adding that most of international artists suggested the benefactors. Even though they faced a sound challenge last year, he said the issue was resolved quickly and therefore impressed their fans. He said the event has grown drastically over the years. This year, Mabaila Foundation Clap & Tap Music Festival will be held at the University of Botswana Indoors Sports Arena on April 26, 2025. Choirs that would be performing on the day are Angels of God, Dr Winnie Mashaba, Sechaba, Majenyane Brass Band, Dineo Tsa Tumelo and Bana Ba Lesedi. Preachers are Mookamedi Tube and Brown De Bruyne Mosiapoa while Moakofi William will be the master of ceremony.