Jazz Brew welcomes back top jazz DJs

LEKOPANYE MOOKETSI
Correspondent | Thursday September 23, 2010 00:00

The two jazzmen used to be resident DJs at the Mochudi joint where they often performed by popular demand.  Club owner Fresh Lesokwane said people have been asking for the two jazzmen. 

SK and Milton will be performing along side Stream jazz band, which was formed in 2007. 

Its line-up is: Coaster Sephekolo (lead guitar) who is also the leader of the group, Rapaki Mmolotsi (bass), Kisimba Mukotshi (drums) and Thabo Motlhabaphuti (vocals).

Tumelo Mafoko, Desmond Mokotedi and Kagisano are manning the keyboards.

The band is capable of playing any kind of music from Afro pop to fusion and reggae.  It has backed the likes of Maxy and South African singer Johnny Mokhali. Meanwhile, after their successful show to raise funds for Chlildline, the Women of Jazz - Nnunu Ramagotsi, Nono Siile, Punah Gabasiane and Kearoma Rantao - will be staging another concert this weekend for the same cause. 

In July, the women raised P90,000 for Childline during their VIP Show held at the Gaborone Golf Club.  The concert was quite successful even though it was staged on a Thursday.  Guests at the show included the Minister of Trade and Industry, Dorcas Makgato-Malesu. This Saturday, they will be staging another concert at the Botswana Craft Marketing courtyard.  Of the Women of Jazz ensemble Nnunu and Punah have recorded albums. Punah has released two albums while Nnunu has come up with one. 

Both Nnunu and Kearoma are working on their albums.  Although they have not recorded yet, they have composed their own songs, which they play when performing as apprentices with some of the local jazz maestros. 

Nono has backed artists like the late Duncan Senyatso and Ndingo Johwa.   Nnunu is currently playing with veteran muso Lekofi Sejeso, at the Grand Palm.   The Women of Jazz have always been a marvel to watch when they are on the stage and the Saturday show will not be different.  

In an interview, Punah said in Gaborone yesterday that they were busy with preparations for the concert.  She said everything was going according to plan. 

The songbird added that the tickets have been selling well. 

She said local companies are quite supportive, as they have been buying the tickets at a brisk pace.  Punah promised that they are going to give out their best.   She said during the show some of the sponsors will be donating some of their products to Childline and patrons.

Punah said they are going preach against child abuse.

She said as women of jazz, they are against child abuse.

The women of jazz have committed themselves to raising funds for a different charity cause every year.

Last year they raised funds for the Cancer Association. Punah said next year, they hope to identify another charitable organisation.