'Satchilombe' rocks Boatle

LEKOPANYE MOOKETSI
Correspondent | Wednesday December 8, 2010 00:00

 

On Sunday, 'Satchilombe' was performing at the Boatle jazz garden along the Ramotswa junction. For the whole evening, Ndingo was roaring at Gamalete and his great voice was resonating in the wilderness.

His show turned out to be a great performance. Although only a small crowd turned up for the show, Ndingo performed as if he were playing before a full house, thus demonstrating that he is committed to music. He plays his music with passion. Every time he performs as if his life depends on that show. He never takes the audience for granted and is always willing to oblige if requested for a specific track. Artists like Ndingo could be used to market the country's culture internationally. Ndingo can do anything when he is on the stage much to the amusement of his audience. Oh! he could also do the jiving. Like old wine, Ndingo seems to be mellowing with age. At some stage, he was handling his guitar like a machine gun ready to shoot.

He showed everyone who attended the show what he is capable of. Ndingo was also disappointed with the attendance. He said it was high time that Batswana support local artists. He added that you cannot become a celebrity when you do not have money. Ndingo was in his element as usual as he dished his popular Kalanga songs. The Boatle jazz garden is a perfect set up for staging live shows. Those who attended the show enjoyed themselves the whole evening as Ndingo took them through his musical journey. They really appreciated Ndingo's music. They showed their appreciation by clapping hands and dancing to the beat.

Ndingo's backing group was also equal to the task. The backing group included seasoned guitarist Zakes Gwaze who has been with Ndingo for some time. When Ndingo went on break, the band took the stage on their own.

They rendered Oliver Mtukudzi's music. Ndingo's backing singers Sharon Sibonge and Kwedi Banungi delighted the audience with their dancing styles. The two women proved to be gifted. They cannot only dance but sing well too. Sibonge, who is known by her stage name of 'Diva Sharon' - was given a chance to perform without her mentor. She proved that she is a seasoned artist in her own right. Her debut album is eagerly awaited. Diva Sharon moved the audience with a rendition of the late South African songbird, Brenda Fassie's Vulindlela. She drew people to the dancing floor when she performed. She also rendered other favourite tunes. Diva Sharon is versatile as she can delve into any genre. This woman nearly stole the show. Ndingo has been taking her on his tours. But Ndingo later came on the stage to prove who was the master. Ndingo continued to take the audience through their paces. After Ndingo had performed, there was another girls' traditional group, which performed. The girls were also impressive with their act, proving that there is so much untapped talent in Botswana.

It is during this time of the year when Ndingo embarks on a countrywide tour.

The tour has already taken him to Selebi-Phikwe, Gantsi, Maun, Kasane and Tlokweng.He is planning to play at the Mountain Rest in Gabane on Sunday. Another project on his agenda is to stage a show to raise funds for the SOS Children's Village in Tlokweng. The SOS concert will be staged before the end of the year.