Batswana artists perform with Japanese maestro

LEKOPANYE MOOKETSI
Correspondent | Thursday November 4, 2010 00:00

 

Norwegian-based Banjo Mosele and his local group, the Veterans, recently accompanied President Ian Khama to Japan where they staged shows.  The Veterans' line-up included Bra Malombo Mmereki, Elliot Morgan, Arthur Mengwe and the bassman, Kabelo Tamukate. 

Another group that was on the same tour is the Molepolole-based traditional troupe, Dipela Tsa Kgobokwe, which was instructed by Oswald Kopi.

Banjo says their first concert was at the Calabash, an African restaurant in Tokyo.  He says this was an electrifying show, adding that the atmosphere in the restaurant was pure African.  Banjo says they managed to do rehearsals with Watanabe, who is a legend in his own right. 

The next show was the Botswana night concert, which President Khama and other Batswana dignitaries attended. 

Banjo says it was at this show where they had a surprise package in the form of Watanabe.  He says playing with Watanabe was simply unbelievable.  He describes Watanabe as a big international artist, but who is extremely humble.  Banjo says in reciprocation, government officials invited the Japanese legend to come and perform in Botswana next year. 

Watanabe told them that he was inspired by African music.  Another memorable experience for Banjo during their Japanese tour was performing with Dipela Tsa Kgobokwe.  To him, one of the unique things was to combine traditional dancing with a live band. 

Banjo was so impressed that he wants to promote the same style locally.  He says when traditional music is fused with a live band, it appeals to people.  It is a true art form, according to him.  'It is not machines but people performing.   When you are doing traditional music live, you can take a song to Kgalagadi, but it will remain the same,' he asserts.  Banjo also applauded his outfit, saying it was compact.  'We made a very good team,' he commends.

Another person who received kudos is Kopi, the instructor of Dipela Tsa Kgobokwe, whom Banjo says did a splendid job.  To him, Kopi is a professional in the true sense of the word.  'He is a professional conductor who can change things and make it happen.'

Banjo says after their show even President Khama came to applaud them on the stage. 

Banjo expresses gratitude to the officials of the Department of Arts and Culture and the staff of the Botswana Embassy in Japan for making their stay in that country hospitable.  He says embassy staff 'really went out of their way to make sure that we were comfortable'.  There are many lessons that they learnt in the Land of the Rising Sun.  One is about professionalism.  'We were slotted for 35 minutes and did everything within that time,' he says.  Banjo sees their trip to Japan as a terrific eye- opener.  He also salutes the Botswana government for giving them the opportunity. 

He says the studio where they rehearsed the instruments were state-of-the-art.  Banjo feels they need similar facilities here in order for local music to develop. 

Banjo describes Tokyo as an amazing city.  The city is so tidy even though it has about 30 million inhabitants. 

The veteran muso considers the Japanese to be a hard working nation.  'I think as Batswana we should emulate them in terms of hard work,' he appeals.

He describes the Japanese as respectful people.  To him, Japan is a highly developed country.Banjo was also impressed by the Japanese work ethic.  Banjo says the Japanese took Botswana music seriously.  'It was amazing that we performed in Japan and conquered.'  He says even the stacks of CDs that they had sold out. 

'The cultural exchange was an amazing experience.  The Japanese were dancing and singing our chorus.  Botswana has a friend in the East,' says Banjo who has travelled to a number of countries.  The Japanese were humble even when Batswana artists greeted them in their own language.  Banjo says during their short stay, they had learnt a few Japanese words, especially the greetings. 

Banjo sees Japan as a potential market that local artists could explore.  'They have a huge population with buying power.   We should seriously look into exploring their market,' he says.

Banjo says they have already set the trend and other local artists should also look to countries like Japan. 

Botswana, he says, has a small market and artists can only survive if they looked beyond the boundaries.  'Since we have a small population, we must start selling our music in countries like Japan,' says Banjo who is already doing that in Nordic countries like Norway where he is based.  Although he is based in Norway, Banjo insists that his contribution is needed here.  As a result he is going to spend about six months in the country.  'Ko ga bo motho go thebe phatswa,' he says.  Meanwhile, Banjo and the Veterans performed with South African jazz artist, Jimmy Dludlu, at the Botswanacraft Marketing courtyard on Friday.