Botswana artists plan to take Mafikeng by storm

LEKOPANYE MOOKETSI
Correspondent | Wednesday March 31, 2010 00:00

 

A group of local artistes will be performing at a Mafikeng club, Graceland, in a show that has been dubbed 'Sounds and rhythms of Botswana'. 

The artistes who will perform in South Africa include the Norwegian based Banjo Mosele, Bra Malombo Mmereki, Stampore and Matsetse traditional troupe.  Matsetse is a traditional group, which Mosele is mentoring.  Mosele has realised the traditional group's potential and has been encouraging them to perform live. The South African tour has been organised by Mosele. Mosele said the idea behind the tour is to showcase the skills of local musicians and to market their music. 'The intention really is not commercial but to introduce Botswana music to South Africa.  If we impress the promoters it will benefit local music.   Our intention is to export local music,' said Mosele, adding that they will be showcasing Botswana music and not only the traditional genre. This is why they are having artistes who are playing diverse styles like folklore, traditional music and Afro pop.  To him, the good thing is that most of the artistes who will be on the tour, have recorded their own albums.   He said they could also use this opportunity to market their music in South Africa.  South Africa, he observed, has a huge market because of the country's large population of 47 million people.

Mosele said if their show is successful, they would tour other South African towns like Kimberly and Rustenburg in the near future.  

He said eventually they could make big money if they make a lasting impression during the Easter shows. 'It is important that we should be well prepared for the shows,' he said. Mosele said they have been busy rehearsing for the South African show because they do not want to disappoint. 

Mosele spoke about plans to take the same concept to Europe and the United States. But one advantage about South Africa that he has realised, is that 'we speak the same language, Setswana, especially in North-West province'.