Patrons disappointed at Diamond City Jazz Festival
Nnasaretha Kgamanyane | Monday April 7, 2025 14:42
The event attracted a number of senior citizens who saw it fit to go and chill with their peers and also watch their favourite international artists perform. To their dismay, they never got a chance to see them. The event started in the afternoon and many jazz lovers went early so that they could go back home early. After 10pm, a number of them started going home as they lost hope in seeing their favourite artists. Some even made comments that they never learn since it was not the first time they were promised that some international artists would perform at some events only to realise later that they were deceived.
However, others stayed behind hoping for a miracle only to go home more disappointed. At the event, the DJs played music while a few artists were able to perform. The artists include the likes of Mpho Sebina, Nono Siile, Mpumi Dlamini from SA and Steve Dyer who told the audience that he used to stay in Botswana at Bontleng. Furthermore, in an attempt to make up for disappointing their fans, the organisers brought forth Johnny Mokhali from SA who treated the fans to a few of their favourite songs. Even though some patrons disapproved seeing the country's most loved traditional choir artist, Dr Vom at a jazz event, some thought it was a good gesture as they sang and danced along. As usual, he delivered a sterling performance.
For his part, the event coordinator, Rapula Kegopilwe explained that their two main artists were engaged for the show as early as May 2024 as the show was to happen that year and later postponed. 'Unfortunately they took another show and we thought we will get the logistics right by the event day, which unfortunately failed. The hope to get things right by event day now made us fail to effectively communicate with patrons on this issue with the two artists. We extensively apologize and we will make it up to our revellers,' he said.
He added that the show was headed to the next city, Mafikeng in October and will make amends and ensure a great delivery of the festival. He also said patrons that attended the Gaborone edition would get a 50% discount on the next event.