Oneal R&B orchestra shares African story
Lucy Kgweetsi | Friday December 5, 2025 09:36
The event brought together musicians from Botswana and South Africa in a single orchestra, blending R&B, orchestral music, and African storytelling in a format not previously explored locally.
Unlike typical cross-border events, where artists perform individually, this showcase merged performers across generations and disciplines. Veteran musicians shared the stage with younger artists, and classically trained musicians collaborated with contemporary performers. South African and Botswana artists rehearsed and performed together, creating an integrated musical experience.
“We did this because Botswana deserves more than imported entertainment. We deserve large-scale experiences that reflect who we are, what we are becoming, and what we can build when we align vision with intention,” said event co-creator Phenyo Motlhagodi.
The production attracted audiences not only from across Botswana but also from neighbouring countries including South Africa, Zambia, and Kenya. The influx of visitors contributed to local economic activity. Hotels reported high occupancy rates over the weekend, restaurants were busy, nightlife venues saw increased attendance, and local vendors reported higher sales.
Event organisers described the showcase as a form of cultural exchange rather than just a performance. “It was more than a performance; it was an opportunity for musicians to learn from each other and share methods,” Motlhagodi said.
Women played visible roles throughout the event, both on stage and behind the scenes, including in choreography and creative leadership. This highlighted a growing emphasis on inclusivity in the country’s cultural sector.
The scale and format of the production were noted as significant within Botswana’s creative industries. For the first time, contemporary African music was combined with orchestral arrangements in a live event hosted entirely on local soil. The collaboration of multiple nationalities, generations, and artistic disciplines in a single production was also seen as a novel approach.
Organisers emphasised that the event was designed to provide a different experience from conventional concerts. By combining multiple genres and creating opportunities for cross-cultural learning, the showcase offered both audiences and performers a platform to engage in new ways.
Although this was the first edition of the Oneal R&B Orchestral Showcase, the organisers and participants indicated that similar projects could be developed in the future. The event underscored the potential for large-scale, collaborative cultural productions in Botswana and highlighted how music and performance can bring together artists from different backgrounds and skillsets.
In bringing together musicians, audiences, and communities from across the region, the showcase offered a model for future events that focus on collaboration and cultural exchange. It also demonstrated that local infrastructure, including venues and accommodation, can support complex productions.