Annual Clap �n Tap Festival back again
Maureen Odubeng | Wednesday November 16, 2016 19:00
The festival themed, ‘Proudly Celebrating Botswana’s 50 Years of Independence In Style’ will feature a number of talented local and international clap’ n tap groups, expected to thrill those with an ear for the genre, which is slowly gaining momentum in terms of popularity. Clap’ n tap has been in existence for along time but most who do not follow the genre only got to know about it recently, through extensive efforts by CCBA and clap’ n tap choirs to push for the recognition of the genre. CCBA chairperson, Tiisetso Masasa, told Showbiz that the festival will feature a number of renowned and upcoming clap ‘n tap choirs from different churches as well as community choirs. The event will also feature special appearances by clap ‘n tap veterans from South Africa and Lesotho.
“We are expecting Rev Ben Mosala from Balopolloa Ba Morena Gospel Choir in Lesotho, and Pastor Vusi Radebe of Vusi & The Mighty Singers,” he said. Choirs expected to perform on the night include Spiritual Healing Church Mochudi Choir D, Baineetseng Ho Jehofa Gospel Choir, Isaac & the Mighty Messengers (SA), St Paul Apostolic Faith Mission Church Mogoditshane Choir, and Babiditsweng Ke Lentswe Gospel Choir.
Masasa explained that this year they decided to work with other associations which include Botswana Choral Music Association, Bible Society of Botswana, Organisation of African Instituted Churches (OAIC), Botswana Musicians Union (BOMU).
He said they decided that the festival should be more than a night of fun, but a platform where associations and individuals from different denominations can come together and share ideas.
He said the festival will be especially important as one of the participating choirs, Baineetseng Ho Jehofa Gospel Choir, will be celebrating 25 years. “The choir has been in existence for a long time, and upcoming choirs can learn a lot from them,” he said.