Maitisong President concert fits the Bill
Thalefang Charles | Monday November 30, 2015 12:46
They came out from everywhere. From dustbins, old and abandoned vehicles, behind defunct fridges, from the theatre roof, down the stairs, dark alleys and one cat - really cool one - came out from an empty green water bowser.
They meowed all the way to the stage where a charming catfight ensued. It was a battle between Urbanites and Kong cat crews. That was the beginning of Act One at the Maitisong President Concert 2015 on Friday.
The act, titled Togetherness, was written and directed by Clayton Ndlovu performed by Mophato Dance Troupe, Urban Empire and Sky Blue Dance Hub. It featured the multi-talented Leshie Lovesong, and the four-string genius, Sereetsi and the Natives.
The catfight between Urbanites and Kong crew produced some delightful dances with intermission of charming songs by Leshie Lovesong. In the midst of the catfight Leshie backed by pianist Lekofi Sejeso and saxophonist Mbiganyi Kula mellowed the cat meows with a cover of sad ballad, Hello by Adele.
Sereetsi and the Natives closed Act One with Maitsetsepelo, which was only a teaser for Act Two. Act Two, titled Let’s Celebrate Botswana directed by Maitisong director featured traditional music instruments – segaba – played by women.
Arona Galeipolae, Constance Boitumelo and Teofo Sebetlela donning Herero traditional wear played segaba, an instrument that is traditionally played by men.
The energetic Spiza Valentino performed When I Die featuring Amantle.
The highlight of Act Two was the performance of Sereetsi and the Natives’s Robete by Spiza, Leshie Lovesong and Thabang Molefe.
The hit song talks about a gay son, Rankwakwanyane, who brought home his lover to the shock of his parents as they have never ever heard of a bride called Robete.
In the vibey remix, Leshie Lovesong advises Abuti Rankwakwanyane to follow his heart. “When the heart calls you must follow,” she sings in the remix.
The event closed with sponsors, Mascom handing over a cheque of P100,000 to the Tebogo Horatius Carter Foundation (THC). The THC named after its founder Lt Gen. Tebogo Masire provides support for women and children who are victims of gender-based violence.
The event was also watched by a high profile delegation from International Netball Federation (INF) who are visiting the country to check facilities for the 2017 World Netball Youth Cup that will be hosted in Botswana.