Williams the guitarist, pianist, marimba and composer

What more with a background that reads like this: grand mother - pianist, grand father - pianist, father and dad - pianists, elder brother and sister - guitarists and pianists.

Andrew Williams, however, feels he is more than just following the family traditions.  All members of his family, including his grandparents, played musical instruments for fun or prestige.

Is it any wonder he is already showing that he is up for the bigger stage?

On Tuesday this week, young Williams displayed his skills on the electric and acoustic guitars as he performed opening acts at a recital concert by the visiting British jazz duo of Chez Taylor and Chris Francis.With grade 5 piano training, mastery of acoustic and electric guitar, and perfection in the art and skills of marimba playing, Williams is one of the rare and highly talented players in the country, despite his young age.

At his school, Maruapula, also popular for promoting the arts, Williams is also famed as a composer and he describes song composition in a totally different language to many local musicians.

To date Williams says he has 10 compositions, some of them for piano, some of them for a band and he is not just talking about writing lyrics, but full-song directing how a particular musical instrument is supposed to flow from the beginning to the end; or sharps and flats.

In fact, he says one of his compositions was adapted by the Julliard School of the Arts of the United States (US), which recently visited Gaborone to present dance and drama.  'A song I wrote for piano was used for some of their dance items,' he said.  Strangely, rather than playing his own songs, the youngster says he enjoys watching and enjoying other accomplished musicians interpret his musical compositions.

'A lot of composers play their own music, some don't.  For example those who write for orchestra have other players do it.  It is all about the interpretation.  I would love to see other people play my compositions,' says.

Williams describes his compositions as classical pieces influenced by the romantic era with contemporary elements.

'I consider myself a composer, more than a performer, it would be nice to perform my music, if I'm in the right place, with the right people, but for now I would rather have someone else do it better than me.'

Williams is also an accomplished marimba player, whose playing skills I found him making it in the famous MAP marimba band, where he plays tenor in the 10-piece band that recently travelled to the United States to raise funds for charity. 

He is a guitarist too who describes himself as classical, rock and jazz player. 'As a guitarist, I enjoy playing mostly rock; I used to play in a band two years ago; it was a bunch of young men.'

 Williams has been a regular feature at the annual My African Dream (MAD) events, and has also been featured as an opening act at a prestigious event, the Fine Women of Jazz, where he played for vocalist, Kay Kadiwa.

Young Williams has also performed in rising starlet, Moonga Kapambwe's fund-raising shows, while two years ago, the teenager featured in the annual President's concert, accompanying the President Concert's band.

'As a guitarist, I play both acoustic and electric guitars, but mostly electric guitar,' he says.

The youngster says he can't tell where his bias lies between the marimba, guitars, and piano.  'I find myself taking interest in a number of instruments.  I like them equally; for me they are all good in expressing myself musically.'At the moment young Williams says he is looking for opportunities to share his variety of skills.  'If any doors open, I will take the opportunity.'