Dludlu's Guitar-Play Staggers Revellers

LEKOPANYE MOOKETSI
Correspondent | Monday November 1, 2010 00:00

 

Everyone was talking about his great performance and amazing skills way after he had left the stage. But also worth mentioning is Botswana's international, Banjo Mosele, and his backing group, the Veterans, who gave a five-star performance to the delight of many. This time even the sound system did not betray the artists.  The management of Botswanacraft has just acquired a powerful new system.  Botswanacraft is proving to be the home of music for both international and local artists.  This year, the venue has hosted international acts like Yvonne Chaka Chaka, Ringo Madlingozi and on Friday it was Dludlu on the rampage.

Dludlu was the main act at the show and lived up to his reputation as a mean guitarist.   Dludlu, who performed for about two hours, took the audience through every stage of his musical journey.  Those who attended the show will never forget it for a long time. 

Dludlu has perfected his guitar skills. He can make the guitar speak, sing and even cry.  That guy would die without his guitar.  It is an instrument that he treasures so much.

When he is performing, there is not much singing.  It is only the guitar that runs the show.  He dished out his favourite hits like Winds Of Change.  He could also play other popular hits like Pata pata, which was sung by the late Miriam Makeba. 

Dludlu is also comfortable with other genres like African music like rhumba.  He summoned another famed guitarman, John Selolwane, on the stage.

'Bra John on the stage please.'  That night the guitars were in trouble as the two stars strutted the instruments much to the amusement of the revellers.  Dludlu also invited local Hip-hop star, Scar, to hold his own.  But Scar seemed to be out of place as truly he is not into Afro jazz.  Sporting his trademark hat and that goatee, Dludlu was given a round of applause after every track.  Well, he deserved it.

At some stage, Dludlu got carried away and took his guitar to the people, mingling with the crowd as he was handling the instrument.  Dludlu also featured Steve Dyer's son, Bokani in his line-up.  The young keyboard player is following in his father's footsteps. 

Meanwhile, Banjo and the Veterans kept the home fires burning.  The organisers could not have chosen a perfect match for the Friday show.   Banjo did not only play his old songs but also sampled tracks from his forthcoming album, which is expected to be released next year.  Despite his international experience, Banjo is always willing to work with local artists.  On Friday he was backed by vocalist Bra Malombo Mmereki, Elliot Morgan on keyboard, the young Kabelo Tamukate on bass and Arthur Mengwe on drums.  The group also featured American saxophonist Mathew Daso and Kenyan keyboard player, Daniel Njoroge. 

Banjo and the Veterans have just returned from Japan where they accompanied President Ian Khama who was on an official visit.   They staged shows when they were in Japan.