Folk music night slated for end of Feb

GASEBALWE SERETSE
Staff Writer | Wednesday January 27, 2010 00:00

 

According to Leburu, the French approached him about the concept and since then, he has been helping them secure leading folk guitarists like Malefho 'Stampore' Mokha and Ntirelang 'NT  Berman.

'Basically, we intend to bring  some of the outstanding  guitarists together for an evening of folk music entertainment and the hope is that this concept will grow until it becomes a big event,' Leburu told Showbiz.

He further said that Alliance Francaise is willing to help host the event for a number of times in a year.

According to the artist, one of the things that motivated the French to come with the concept is the fact that some of folk artists have passed on and it seems that there is dearth of new talent, which is worrisome.

'If you look around, you will realise that unlike in the past young people are not interested in folk music and there is need to revive it,' said Leburu adding that except for him and Berman, there are no young people who have come forward to showcases their talent in folk music.

The artist further lamented that he knew some young people who are talented in traditional folk music, but choose to play other genres for commercial purposes.
Leburu said that he grew up listening to Dipina le Maboko on Radio Botswana (RB 1) and he was inspired by greats such as Stampore, Andries Bok and Ntona Poifo all of whom he wishes to emulate.

He said as he grew up, his uncle whetted his appetite for playing the guitar and ever since then he has never looked back and it is his love for the genre that has motivated him to work with Alliance Francaise on the project.

The artist says that he is encouraged by the fact that his two contemporaries (NT and Stampore) have shown interest in performing at the show at the end of next month.