Musicians sample busking on Main Mall

Mpho Tlale | Wednesday July 2, 2014 07:00

 

Busking or street performance is the practice of playing music (or other) in public places for gratuities.

The two musicians decided to stage a street performance, at the Main Mall, and caught the attention of a few people. The duo revealed that they came to Gaborone from Lobatse. 

Simba Ci who is from Zimbabwe, expressed that he is visiting Botswana and is being hosted by Ngobeni. He said that as a musician he is always curious to explore what the music scene in countries he visits has to offer.

“I came to perform at the mall because I am a spiritual and wanted to share that side with Batswana. I have to say that people are a bit shocked and wondering what we are doing,” he said.  

He, however, pointed out that he enjoyed playing his guitar and singing despite the obvious fact that Batswana are not really familiar with busking. The musician said that despite experiencing some culture shock, it is not something he cannot handle.  Simba Ci said busking is a part of him as it enables him to share his craft.  He stated that some of his busking performances are documented on video and are available on YouTube.

For his part, Ngobeni expressed that he and Simba Ci became friends in 2011 after meeting at school in Pretoria. He said that when his friend came to Botswana he told him about the music scene in the country and warned him that there is no busking culture in Botswana. A poet and musician, Ngobeni, said that it is difficult to get a gig, hence his decision to take his music to the streets. He said that if one is not a jazz musician chances of getting a gig are pretty much slim.

Ngobeni, who said he is based in Pretoria, said that they have made it their mission to move around town during the time that they are here.