Organisers step up preparations for December festivities
Boitumelo Khutsafalo | Tuesday October 13, 2026 10:52
For many years, music festivals have been part and parcel of Botswana’s festive season. As such, dates for upcoming festivities are coming out thick and fast.
This past week, the organisers for the Born and Raised annual music festival announced December 23 as the date for this year’s event. The event, which usually takes place at Serowe Sports Complex, will be celebrating 10 years of its existence, since it first launched in 2016. Started as an annual event that was to give Serowe and surrounding areas something to celebrate annually, around the festive season, Born and Raised fast grew in leaps and bounds, becoming one of the most anticipated music festivals in the country. Set to be held under the theme, GaSeYaBohelo, the oganisers have already started revealing international acts set to grace the occasion. The first international act announced last week is South African rapper and Amapiano artist, Focalistic. Known for blending hip-hop lyricism with Amapiano beats, Focalistic will be making his debut at the annual event. He will be joined on the line up by Sotho artist, Sannere, popularly known for his hit, Ke romiloe nna.
Another annual music festival already stepping up preparations is the Gaabo Motho festival, which takes place on December 24 at Dladleng Recreational Park in Moshupa. The festival will feature South African songbird, Mawhoo. Organisers have also ensured revelers do not miss out the chance to enjoy the performances of local acts including Franco and his band, Afro Musica as well as hit maker, Ezra Neethings. The two artists were announced in the last few days with more acts set to be unveiled until towards the last month. South African artist, Tman Xpress will also be among some international acts set to perform on the night.
Mawhoo is also set to perform on the same day in Mahalapye at the annual Home Coming Concert. The event that takes place on December 24 at Mahalapye Railway stadium, will also feature South African duo, Amaroto. South African Disco group, Dalom Kids are also set to give Dalom music fans something to cheer on the night. The organisers have also unveiled Afro House DJ/artist, Morda as the other international act set to perform in Mahalapye. The former Black Motion member has been doing well since launching a solo career both as a producer and DJ for Afro Tech and 3step sub-genres. Songwriter and hit maker, Charma Gal is the first local act to be unveiled for the event.