Sereetsi and the Natives promise exciting performance
Maureen Odubeng | Wednesday October 21, 2015 15:17
Music lovers have received the genius work of art, with open arms, enjoying not only the beats, but also the lyrical creativity, in capturing topical issues affecting society.
Come November 6, fans will get an opportunity to see the ensemble perform live during their album launch at Maitisong. Many might wonder why Sereetsi and the Natives decided to launch in November while the album was released in April. Sereetsi and the Natives front man, Tomeletso Sereetsi, explained that their strategy was to launch the album after it had some airplay so that the crowd can sing along.
“As a new recording artist such a decision also works well when it comes to marketing the launch. November 6 is just the right time. The music is on heavy rotation on most of our radio stations. It is trending online, and it is selling very well, if not the best selling Botswana record at the moment,” Sereetsi said.
Sereetsi further explained that the album has been very well received adding that Sereetsi and the Natives is currently enjoying a lot of attention from corporate event managers.
“Already the act is billed to play at some of the biggest festivals in the country, including the Maun International Arts Festival, the President’s Concert, and the Hamptons International Jazz Festival 2016. The act has also performed at an international music conference in Durban, and is set to return there early 2016,” he said.
Sereetsi told Showbiz that fans should expect an exciting performance by full band set from Sereetsi and the Natives with all the hits such as Robete, Thaa Kokome and others.
“Natives can expect electrifying performances from the first lady of Afrojazz, Punah Gabasiane-Molale, who also has a new great album out. Natives can expect some fresh numbers from the record as well as her evergreen oldies. Also on the bill is Kagiso Mangole, formerly known as Kayzee.
He will also serve a mix of the new and old in such hits as Bosigo Jono and Nokuthula. We will also have a young awesome poet called Miss Phopho. Come and celebrate Botswana rhythms and sounds. The launch is themed, ‘Ke Motswana’ as we’ll be celebrating ourselves as a people with a rich culture and so much of ourselves to give to the world,” Sereetsi explained.
As a build-up to the launch, Sereetsi and the Natives has been running a social media campaign called ‘Ke Motswana’, which is aimed at encouraging Batswana to take pride in themselves, their culture and country.
“Ke Motswana is also the theme of the album launch. Sereetsi and the Natives will also run a workshop at the Maun International Arts Festival, which starts October 23 to November 1. The act will also stage two performances at the festival,” Sereetsi said.
Asked whether fans should expect new material, Sereetsi answered, “We have new material from our collaboration with US jazz band, Anthony Stanco and the Crucial Elements, that we will release during the course of next year. We are also looking into more collaborative work with international artists. Details will be communicated in due course.”