Kurre sails into spotlight with MSC Jazz Cruise
Nnasaretha Kgamanyane | Monday April 13, 2026 06:00
Although he was not initially part of the official lineup, Mhlanga's performances at Restaurant La Caravelle stole the show, earning him standing ovations and accolades from jazz fans. He performed and sang Bra Hugh Masekela's iconic 'Stimela', and as a jazz drummer, he had the opportunity to play with the band, mesmerising the audience with his skills.
'The great applause after playing drums sealed my belief that we're underrated back home,' Mhlanga says. 'I feel great to have represented Botswana this time around at MSC Jazz Cruise 2026,' he added.
Mhlanga's performance was strategic, considering the audience was mostly elderly South Africans and Batswana. 'I chose 'Stimela' deliberately, knowing it's a great song that's known all over the world,' he explains. 'I wanted to show them what Botswana has to offer,' he stated.
The experience has opened doors for Mhlanga, both locally and internationally. 'This has not only brought honor to myself but also to my country, Botswana,' he says. 'I hope promoters will start looking my way as a performer,' he explained.
Mhlanga's style of play, which combines improvisation and great use of dynamics, distinguished his performance and impressed the mostly youth band he played with. 'Music is not all noise, but a craft,' he says.
As a Fela Kuti fan, Mhlanga's stage presence earned him the nickname 'Fela/FelaPersona'. 'When I do Afrobeat, I go by the stage name FelaPersona,' he says.
Back home, Mhlanga is ready to fire, with plans to perform with his band, Moa Live, at Millennium Jazz Restaurant. 'My message to my fans is that I'm coming home revived and ready to fire,' he says. 'My band will also get inspired with a leader who got foreign international recognition.'
Mhlanga's MSC Jazz Cruise triumph is a testament to Botswana's vibrant music scene. 'Our music can sell to the world,' he says. With his unique blend of jazz, Afrobeat, and traditional rhythms, Mhlanga is sure to make waves in the music industry.
As he looks to the future, Mhlanga is grateful for the experience and the opportunities it has brought him. 'Music has greatly rewarded me all the time,' he says. 'I am ready to put more effort into my musical work and share my talent with the world.'