Artists sceptical over Lesotho trip
Chippa Legodimo | Wednesday May 28, 2014 14:22
The three musicians are supposed to travel to Maseru for the Music Exchange 2014, which takes place on Saturday.
The trip is organised by Botswana Television (Btv )morning show presenter Kaelo Sabone.
Leburu has clearly expressed displeasure at Sabone’s apparent lack of transparency.
“Really there are so many question marks. Initially we were made to believe that the event will be in Maseru, but I have since learnt that it will be in Mafeteng, some rural place more than 70 kilometers from the capital. We do not even know if accommodation will be ready. He has not responded to my messages,” Leburu told Showbiz.
The solo guitarist indicated that although he would be thrilled to perform in Lesotho he was uncomfortable with the fact that the performance would not carry any financial benefit. “Lesotho is a country that I would love to perform in because the people would easily understand my language.
But to perform in a rural area without any pay would be useless.
If it were in a place where more people would watch us then one would just say at least I would get some exposure. Nothing concrete has come of our discussions yet the event takes place at the weekend,” he said.
K-BOSS was non-committal saying he was still to get confirmation, but indicated that he was excited when Sabone approached him.
He has admitted that he was thrilled at the opportunity noting that the organisers must have been impressed with his music.
“I was obviously elated and I thought this was a sign that hip hop music has a place in the African culture. I have always maintained that if we fuse it with a bit of traditional African beats it could sell internationally and this is just one example,” K Boss said.
Sabone, however, insists that the trip is legitimate. He noted that because entry to the event would be free, all musicians taking part would not be paid.
“This is an annual music exchange programme between Botswana and Lesotho musicians. The event coincides with the 20th anniversary of Ultimate FM radio station and the musicians would get a chance to market themselves through the celebration. There is no need to panic. Everything is being taken care of. I am going to talk to the musicians to allay whatever fears they might have,” Sabone told Showbiz.
He has also indicated that the organisers were already considering bringing the event to Gaborone for a next edition.