Sparks expected to fly at this year�s GIMC
Spira Tlhankane | Wednesday August 5, 2015 18:00
Briefing the media on Tuesday, the founder of the weeklong music event, Thapelo Pabalinga said they were excited and ready to host this year’s event.
“We want to celebrate Gaborone as a city and recognise our rich culture,” he said.
He highlighted some changes from last year’s event including artists’ workshops.
“We will conduct workshops and artists will get a chance to learn what it takes to be successful,” he said.
Pabalinga said the workshop would have speakers from South Africa, who have extensive experience in the industry. The speakers would impart the experience on those who attend the workshops.
Pabalinga further explained that the international speakers would help local artists sell their music beyond borders.
“This is a chance for all Batswana artists and they should grab the opportunity,” he said. Pabalinga said they also want corporate companies to endorse local artists.
Representing the sponsors, the director of Brand Botswana (National), Bame Moremong said artists should know their role in promoting Botswana music and culture.
“Artists are brands therefore they should take advantage of the event and sell their country,” she said. Moremong added that Brand Botswana will be actively involved during the GIMC week.
The event starts with a poetry session on September 2 at Botswanacraft at 7pm.
The poetry session will feature TJ Dema, Mandisa Mabuthoe, Delerecal, Leshie Lovesongs, Morongoa Mosetlhi, Gomolemo Motsamai and Yansin.
The next day will feature a choral music show at Maitisong, which will start at 7pm. There will be two church choirs Trinity (UCCSA) and Mochudi Circuit Choir (Dutch) and choral groups, KTM and Maikano.
On Friday the comedians will get a chance to crack ribs at another show to be held at Molapo Piazza at 7pm. It will be a rich line-up, which will include an appearance by Basketmouth from Nigeria.
Local acts will include Dignash Morapedi, Mawee and Rekunde.
The much-anticipated music festival would be held at the National Stadium on September 5, 2015 from 11 am till late. The international lineup of artists includes Mafikizolo (SA), Khuli Chana (SA), Gareth Cliff (SA) and Jay Prayzah (ZIM). The music festival will also feature local artists including Zeus, Dramaboi, ATI, Sasa Klaas, Lizibo, Scar, Culture Spears, Mapetla, MMP Family, Eskimos, Mafitlhakgosi, Tumza, T.H.A.B.O, BK Proctor, Lecco, Chrispin the Drummer, Dollar Mac, DJ Amstel and DJ Oneal.
The Sunday afternoon jazz show will be held at Botswanacraft at 3 pm. The main act for the show is Ringo from (SA).
He will be sharing the stage with a lineup of talented musicians that include Kyle Shepherd (SA), Sethunya Maele, Mpho Sebina and Jazzman.