The Manhattans come to town
Nnasaretha Kgamanyane | Friday February 8, 2019 12:37
The Manhattans are a legendary classic R&B vocal group that managed to achieve incredible success and longevity by adapting their style to fit the ever-changing times. Formed in the 1960s as a doo wop-influenced R&B quintet, The Manhattans reinvented themselves as sweet smooth soul balladeers during the 1970s.
In doing so, they somehow overcame the death of lead singer George Smith, and with a new frontman, Gerald Alston became more popular than they had ever been, landing an across-the-board number one hit in 1976 with ‘Kiss and Say Goodbye’. Under the leadership of Winfred ‘Blue’ Lovett (who also composed some of the group’s biggest hits), The Manhattans survived as a viable chart act well into the 1980s, over two decades after their formation.
When addressing the media about the event at Ba Isago University recently, Tshepi of Tshepi Live Entertainment said The Manhattans will be accompanied by the Temptations who came to Botswana last year and are back by popular demand for the many that did not get the opportunity to see them. The two groups are the largest Mo Town groups in the world that still exist today.
“The concert, coming as it does, promises to be a memorable occasion as it will be a high profile old school event that will attract the corporate circle and old school music lovers in the whole of Botswana and surrounding countries. We are flying a group of about 20 individuals from the United States of America, as each group will bring a team of their live band,” he said. He further explained that he had previously worked with Temptations, boasting that he was the first local artist to work with an international band of such great magnitude. He said that his aim was to keep the classic music live and promote it. He explained that he did not believe in bubblegum music as it comes and goes. He said his aim is to bring good music that does not die to music lovers.
The event will also encompass a breathtaking lineup as it includes renowned legends in the international music landscape such as Temptations, Joe Nina and Cheek to Cheek.
Local jazz maestro, Lister Boleseng’s daughter, Refilwe Boleseng will also be performing at the event.
Tshepi added that they will host workshops with the Temptations, which will be open to all youth particularly local artist. He said the workshop forums would include music business and professionalism, overcoming and resisting drug addiction and substance abuse, making a living from your passion, overcoming depression, despair and emotional trauma and sustaining a business in a long-term perspective. These workshops will help youth in so many areas affecting their lives and give them skills in so many areas affecting their lives.
“Supporting Motown and Afron Night Concert places Botswana businesses at the forefront of arts and culture in Botswana, promoting cultural tourism, year-round empowerment programmes, economic development and job creation. With an expense budget of over P 3,000,000 we are certainly in dire need of corporate support,” he explained.
He said that was a solid investment with strong marketing benefits including high visibility and effective brand alignment, opportunities for client entertainment, community goodwill and a contribution to Botswana’s increased footprint in the global music market. He, therefore, called the local business community to sponsor the event.
Tickets are sold at all Spar outlets countrywide through web-ticket.
Their price list is as follows; P350 standard, P1,000 VIP comes with finger foods better viewing and meeting artists and P2,500 VVIP comes with food and drinks on our tab mingling closely with the artists.