Govt Turns Groupie For Jazz Maestro Watanabe
Thalefang Charles | Monday May 23, 2016 15:43
And for the first time in recent memory, Gaborone Main Mall square was transformed into a wonderful festival venue like in world-class cities and fancily called the ‘Main Mall Piazza’.
It was revealed on Thursday that Watanabe was in Botswana at the invitation of President Ian Khama after the jazz maestro also known as Nabesada wowed Khama in 2010 during a Botswana cultural show in Tokyo. And that explains the awkward groupie reception Botswana was extending to Watanabe.
Under a cold night but with a beautiful full moon adding to the jazz mood and mature crowd in camp chairs and blankets, the show kicked off at 8:30pm on Friday with Watanabe opening. The jazz legend got on stage with his five-member band including the incredible percussionist Ndiasse Niang from Senegal who helped to add an African voice to the band.
Watanabe, clad in Botswana colours; blue shirt and white chino pants, played some exciting jazz that the crowd – including those from the balconies of The Cresta President Hotel and the peeping small crowd at The Main Deck – all loved and cheered through. The saxophonist displayed his wide musical knowledge by sampling some of the great African jazz hits such as South Africa’s Shosholoza.
Later on, local acts included Motshe Wa Badimo Ensemble which is a local folklore outfit with guitarists like Solly Sebotso and the energetic percussionist Kopano Mantswe. Banjo Mosele & Veterans, who is said to have performed with Watanabe in Tokyo, jumped on stage before Diau and Nnunu Ramogotsi did their thing.