US Hip-Hop star Blackman coming

Staff Writer | Wednesday November 10, 2010 00:00

 

The 'Get Up and Go' tour sponsored by the US Embassy in Botswana is expected to begin next Monday (November 15) running through to December 1.  The music performances are aimed at demonstrating the power of Hip-Hop music in conveying positive messages of behavioural change, in an effort to combat the spread of HIV/AIDS.

'The Get Up and Go tour will challenge youth to take control of their lives and to address those behaviours that drive the HIV epidemic,' a statement from Kast Foundation said.

 Blackman will perform alongside leading local Hip-Hop artists, including Kast, Scar, Zues, Billy Slugz, Chub Heightz, Cibil Nyte, Enigma, Spurt, Touch, and Tref.

'The artists will blend their unique musical styles and abilities with a message of empowerment and behavioural change that will touch the youth of Botswana, particularly with regard to changing sexual habits and attitudes toward multiple concurrent partners,' the statement further stated.

The tour will kickstart in Gaborone November 15, moving to Jwaneng on November 17.  On November 19, the tour will be in Kang, going to Ghanzi the next day.  The group of musicians will next perform in Shakawe on November 22, Gumare (November 24), and Maun (November 26).

The last performance will take place in Palapye where this year's World AIDS Day will be commemorated on December 1.

In addition to participating with Batswana artists in the music tour, Blackman will also conduct outreach activities in schools and other venues.  Sharing a motivational message of youth and girls' empowerment that will coincide with 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Violence.

'One of the highest priorities for the US Embassy in Botswana is to promote positive role models and behavioural change for young people.  The US is a strong partner with Botswana as the country works to meet the challenge of the HIV/AIDS epidemic.  The US has made 'smart investments' in Botswana, with over $386 million invested since 2005 to support the national response by government and civil society in providing treatment, care and support services to those in need,' the statement read.