BDF bands concertLives up to expectation

BABOKI KAYAWE
Staff Writer | Monday November 8, 2010 00:00

 

Hundreds of revellers thronged the much-hyped event popularised by its live performances.  As always the concert lived up to expectations as men and women of the military proved that they are not only accomplished gunners, but are also gifted and seasoned entertainers.

Nine military bands from both the southern and northern divisions were the stars that brightened the night of musical performances for charity. Gumboot Dance, which combined gumboots and helmets dance was captivating.  Their style, which was mixed with a bit of drama, charged not only the podium but also the entire auditorium.  The dance influenced by the mining revolution in South Africa - a real sign of what creative minds can produce regardless of the environment - was engaging with its distinct attire that added beautiful effects.

The Marimba Band and Tap Dance could not do less.  Its disco-kwasa mix led by Lance Corporal Tsimakoko simply thrilled everyone, as the two dancers beautifully responded to the challenge posed by the marimba band; It's called dance!  This performance made a transition to a guest performance. 

The surprise package left revellers in stitches, the comic Makau Group of the Sebinjolo fame humour danced yet communicating an important message in an era when the social fabric has so loosened.  The song is about a rebellious and ill-mannered young man who doesn't listen to his father's advice.

Another brilliant offering was an orchestra, headlined by jazz maestro Lister Boleseng with Gene Chandler's Rainbow In My Heart.  He sang and danced to the pain of his lost love, whom he shall forever and ever love deep down his heart - with defined emotions.  Lance Corporal Letsatsi also proved himself a seasoned folk poet, as his presence couldn't be ignored.  He poured out his wealth of Tswana language in the process pleading with President Ian Khama to give him a beast, a stanza that got the audience in uncontrollable laughter.

Dance Band North was quite phenomenal; they would have been declared the best if it were a competition.  The band members had an amazing energy and they literary set the arena ablaze.  They did Jive Soweto beautifully, a song by Sipho Mabuse in which they featured Mapantsula dance group.  The objective of the concert could not be overemphasised by Thandanani- a song that calls for love and togetherness; it surely summed up the message of the night and for non-Bantu speakers a band member narrated underneath the song that, 'in the name of charity, the BDF Concert continues to care for the nation and express love'.

A medley of popular songs signed off, leaving spectators in a very festive mood as the season is already here. 

The BDF Bands concert started in 1991, an initiative of the then army commander Lieutenant-General Ian Khama.  Since then the concert has become one of the most followed events in Botswana.  At this event, last year's proceeds were shared among three charitable organisations namely Lady Khama Charitable Trust, which got P40,000, Masiela Trust and Tlokweng SOS with an equal share of P30,000 and finally Gabane Home-Based Care pocketing P20,000.