Christmas Eve puts music promoters on warpath
Nnasaretha Kgamanyane | Friday December 20, 2019 12:30
'Are you ready for Cassper Nyovest?' the MC at a music festival shouts as you make your way between the crowd towards the front where you hope to get a clearer glimpse of your favourite artist on stage.
Showers sprinkle your head but as you look up, it’s not the usual Christmas rain but some elated festivalgoer splashing their alcoholic beverages in the air.
You keep it moving only to see your old homie attempting a latest dance move on top of a cooler box. As you are thrilled to see each other after all this time, you all remember that ‘di xadile’ (it has begun). It’s December 24 (Christmas Eve) and you will officially welcome Christmas Day at a music festival. This has become a norm for some people, hours after they have knocked off from work.
In Botswana, Christmas Eve is not a national holiday, so most companies give their employees a day or afternoon off to prepare for a journey home or to a certain holiday destination of their choice. On this day, many businesses usually close earlier than normal because Christmas, which happens to be on the morrow, is traditionally a time to be spent with families.
Instead of using this time of leaving work early to travel home, a lot of people especially the youth head straight to music events that happen in their home villages or nearer.
Christmas Eve means a whole lot because one would have made it through all the hustle and bustle of the year and this is a perfect time to start unwinding. It’s also time to relax and soak in all the fun and perhaps welcome Christmas Day the lala vuka way.
Festivals have become a firm favourite for youth, especially on Christmas Eve, and to most it’s a way to celebrate and spend some quality time with friends and family. Music promoters have also found a formula for the Christmas Eve revellers. Their artists’ lineup is irresistible and won’t keep you home unless you want to ensure that you’re fully rested before the big day.
There are so many big Christmas Eve events that have been happening for years and any promoter knows that it is unwise to host a similar event during the same date as these established brands.
As people prepare to gather for these music festivals Arts & Culture has compiled some of the festival events that will be battling for supremacy on Christmas Eve. From both south and north of Dibete, your options for a fest have never been more plentiful than here in Botswana. Below is our list of the best parties on the country to ring in some Christmas bells.
Home Coming Concert
When: December 24, 2019
Where: Mahalapye Railway Stadium
The Scene: While many of the older festivals have faded out, the legendary Easy B’s Home Coming Concert has somehow managed to stand the test of time. Although some have been doubtful about the festival especially when the headlining acts don’t show up last minute, its impossible to say no to MonateFela’s HCC. Organisers have certainly convinced the HCC fans with a number of big artists in the line-up having already made video confirmations. Local rapper Mosako once said, “No parties like Mahalapye ka December.” So let’s hope HCC fans will merrily jump their way into Christmas.
The Lineup: Master KG, Cairo, Kabza De Small, Heavy K, Tshego, DJ Maphorisa, DJ Latimmy, DJ Bakito, DJ Kuchi, Vee Mampeezy and many more.
Tickets: General P150, VIP P600, available at Liquorama, Computicket and Shoprite countrywide.
Gaabo Motho Music Festival
When: December 24, 2019
Where: Dladleng Recreational Park
The Scene: Now on its 5th year, it has already established itself as the biggest music festival in the south. Organisers are this year pleased to announce that among the major improvements is the availability of lawn at the venue. Bakgatla Baga Mmanaana in Moshupa and nearby will enjoy the top-notch production event.
The Lineup: Black Motion, Busiswa, Dladla Mshunqisi, TNS, Vee Mampeezy, Charma Gal, ATI, Dr Vom and Han C just to mention but a few.
Tickets: General tickets for the event are sold at P150 in advance and P200 at the gate while VIP tickets cost P600. Tickets are available at Liquarama stores in Moshupa, Jwaneng, Kanye, Lobatse, Gabane, Molepolole and Thamaga at 4Y Bottle Store. In Gaborone tickets can be found at Bonnington, Molapo Crossing, Railpark, Station, South Ring and Kgale.
Clap Your Hands
When: December 24, 2019
Where: Flambopark, Palapye
The Scene: The eve of Christmas Day has never been the same since the inaugural edition of Palapye’s Clap Your Hands (CYH) Festival in 2001. Having known as a HCC’s main competitor when it comes to festivals in the north, CYH is back again this year and Palapye is marked as the place to revel in the magic of the Christmas mood. Clappers as the festival is known to its horde of followers inaugurated with Zakes Bantwini it was later renamed after his Clap Your Hands hit song.
The Lineup: John Cena hitmaker Sho Madlozi, AKA, Naak Musiq, Leehleza, NT Base, Motlha, Khoisan, Double Up, Dramaboi and many more will perform at the event
Tickets: General P150 until December 20, P200 after. Double P250, VIP P1500. Tickets available at Liquoramas.
Barolong Farms Festive Fiesta
When: December 24, 2019
Where: Nathi Farms in Goodhope.
The Scene: Making its way into the Christmas Eve date for the first time ever, BFFF is just a one big family reunion that brings the people of Morolong together. It’s an event by Barolong, for Barolong and their friends and for friends to come and enjoy festive together. One of the event coordinators Rere Valencia told Arts & Culture that the event is intended to empower the youth of Morolong.
She said they reserved majority of the stalls to local people. Hosted in the south of Dibete, they will definitely give Gaabo Motho a run for their money.
The lineup: The festival will bring South African renowned artists such as Master KG whose song Jerusalema is making waves, Simmy famed with her song Ubala and Umahlalela, umona vocalist Mpumi, Leehleza, Motswako giant Tuks Senganga, Dr Vom and Scar.
Tickets: Single tickets costs P150 and VIP is P750, which includes access to artist, unlimited draft, food and selected drinks as well. Tickets are available at all spar outlets. There is also a camping site available for P200 (admits2), and its just 5 minutes away from Nathi farms.
With all these big events hosted on Christmas Eve, beginning the festive season partying is now a new tradition. The festivals are guaranteed to lift people’ spirits and create the magic of days gone by. The only option left is to enjoy these moments responsibly.