Jam In Christ off to Namibia

MPHO TLALE
Correspondent | Wednesday September 29, 2010 00:00

 

Two members from Mophato Theatre are among the touring party.  Speaking to Showbiz the writer and director of the musical, Joel Keitumele, who is also a member of the group, could not hide his excitement.

Keitumele of the Ntsoro fame said that they are happy at the invitation to showcase their talents outside Botswana.  He said that although they are popular for singing gospel music this time their performance will embrace all music genres.

The set that the group will be performing is called The Rehearsal, which focuses on Botswana's music history - that is from where it started up to now.  Keitumele said that the musical explores all genres of music as they are part of Botswana's music history.

The Rehearsal will be played out in a classroom set up where the teacher gives students an assignment to go and research on Botswana's music including the influences.  It is when the students bring their assignments that they are asked to form groups where they perform the findings of their assignment.

Keitumele stated that they included this aspect of the show because Botswana's music is also influenced by music from other countries, citing that our jazz has a South African influence.

The three-hour performance is scheduled to begin today and continue on Independence Day.  Today's performance will be an Acapella, which means no music instruments will be used throughout the performance whereas tomorrow's performance will be theatrical and will include all elements of theatre such as the use of instruments that were not used on the show before.

The musical is choreographed by Andrew Kole of Mophato Theatre.  Keitumele said that the group would showcase the musical in Botswana in November so Batswana can see, enjoy and appreciate what they performed in Namibia representing part of their independence. The group is expected home on October 1.

Jam In Christ or JIC, as this outfit of young people like to call themselves, is all about prayer and worship. JIC is a gospel group that is based in Gaborone and was founded in 2003.  Through perseverance and their common goal of praising God they are now becoming a household name among gospel music lovers in and around town.