Legends unleash their musical prowess at independence show
Chippa Legodimo | Friday October 3, 2014 10:37
Pioneer recording jazz band Kgwanyape, Afro Sunshine, kwaito’s Davet Crew, gospel musician Phempheretlhe Pheto, T-Joint and traditional outfit Machesa Traditional Dance group, were just some of the 35 artists who performed at the event, organised by Department of Youth Sports and Culture.
The colourful event recognised and celebrated local talent and the role music has played in enhancing Botswana culture since independence. The show had good representation of various genres.
Folklore guitarist Sibongile Kgaile of Mandela Road fame had a good time on stage, pulling all the right strings in his guitars while following up the melodies with amusing dance moves.
The ‘forefathers’ of gospel music, Mmereki Marakakgoro, Mpho Nakedi and Phempheretlhe Pheto proved worthy legends of local gospel music as they dished spiritual invigorating performances.
Marakakgoro’s Eat Sum More and Phempheretlhe’s Ke tshepile wena were well received by the crowd.
To spice up his performance, Pheto roped in his seven-year-old son Pako Pheto, who displayed admirable skill and maturity on the keyboard. Standing on a box to reach the height of the instrument, the youngster appeared calm and not intimidated by the large crowd. The revelers were stunned when the young boy unleashed the leading note of his famous father’s popular track Lekunutu le Morena from his keyboard.
Renowned Ikalanga jazz maestro, Ndingo Jowa, was the main attraction once again as his coarse voice permeated the venue. The ‘Sachilombe’ led from the front just like the head of a baboon troupe would. Perhaps spurred into top action by a special request for him to perform for vice president Ponatshego Kedikilwe before the elderly statesman could leave, Jowa and his band enjoyed themselves on stage as the fans cheered and danced along. Combining modern dance moves with traditional Kalanga styles, Jowa and his two female dancers ushered the crowd into a celebratory mood.
Elderly disc jockey Dj Tony of Tony Crazy Disco fame, led a host of local spindoctors who included Dj Trax, Dj Fondo Fire, Dj Easy B, Dj Morse, Dj Dolphus, DJ Bunz, DJ Duicy and Dj Sid.
Old school kwaito lovers were taken down memory lane with the vibrant sounds of Da Vet Crew, T-Joint and Seven 11.
The mood became ‘irie’ when classic reggae outfit Stepping Razor took to the stage. The emergence of the reggae band in the 90s depicted musical maturity, yet the group has never quite fulfilled its potential. One the band members, Ras Jesus Mosoko, rose to prominence as a solo performer thought he would still be backed by Stepping Razor. However, the band’s performance was nostalgic and perhaps reminded their followers of earlier days when they were livelier and full of ambition to garner a name for themselves beyond the country’s borders. The memorable act, renewed hope that the band could soon emerge from oblivion to reclaim their position as kings of local reggae.
Ras Jesus’s new album is in the pipeline, with the release of a single billed for November.
Other performers who graced the stage at the show include leading dikhwaere singer Dr Vom, Bleskit Isaac, Metal Orizon, Canaan Ndaba, Banjo Mosele, Breakers, In Crowds, Clement Jackson, Magic Ditau, Myzer Matlhaku, Soccer Moruakgomo, Franco, Alfredo Mos and Stiger’s Sister.