Karyn White Brings R&B Nostalgia to GIMC Jazz Show
Laone Choeunyane | Tuesday September 8, 2026 10:31
That was the atmosphere at the 12th edition of the GIMC Jazz Show at Bojanala Waterfront, where American R&B star, Karyn White performed some of the songs that established her as one of the genre's enduring voices. White's set included Superwoman and The Way You Love Me, two of the songs most closely associated with her career.
The audience responded immediately, singing along to the familiar classics and creating one of the evening's most nostalgic moments.
There was a sense of looking back. But White's performance also demonstrated the staying power of her music. Decades after the songs were released, they remain familiar to audiences beyond the generation that first embraced them.
If anything, the set was over too soon. White left the stage while the audience appeared to be preparing for more, making her relatively brief appearance one of the evening's highlights. She was not the only star bringing experience to the stage.
South African singer, Amanda Black also performed, adding her soulful sound to a bill that extended beyond Botswana.
Her appearance gave the programme a strong regional dimension and fitted comfortably into the Jazz Show's relaxed musical setting. The local acts, meanwhile, held their own.
Meanwhile, Han-C, who recently added another BOMU Award to his growing collection and also hosted the Creators Assembly, continued what has been a particularly strong year for him.
He delivered the kind of performance that has become his trademark, combining clear vocals, lively choreography and plenty of movement on stage.
Ezra Neethings followed with a set that showed why he remains one of the country's most talked-about performers.
He worked through a selection of his hits, including Tsela Ye, and kept the audience with him throughout. Then came Sereetsi and the Natives; and for regular GIMC attendees, his presence almost feels like a requirement.
Sereetsi has been part of the GIMC Jazz Show for many years and has become closely woven into the event's identity. It is difficult to imagine the occasion without the four-string guitarist making an appearance.
He once again brought his distinctive sound to the stage, reaffirming why he has become such a fixture at GIMC.
That was perhaps the strength of this year's show: there was no need for one act to carry the evening.
White brought the international recognition, Black added regional star power, while the Botswana performers reminded the audience that the country's own talent can comfortably share the stage.
The night also seemed to disappear quickly. By the time the final notes were played, it felt as though the evening had barely begun; a good sign for an event built around music, conversation and taking things easy.
The GIMC Jazz Show may be over, but Culture Week continues. The Sunday Champagne Picnic at Wagga Gardenex was postponed because of weather concerns, with organisers advising attendees to remain on standby for a new date.
The programme continues with a comedy night at Avani on Wednesday and a Clap and Tap session at Boipuso Hall on Friday.