Gaobakwe, SA Tourism, Bantwini, team up for Independence festival

MONKAGEDI GAOTLHOBOGWE
Staff Writer | Thursday September 8, 2011 00:00

To add spice, Bantwini along with local players like Zeus, Scar and others yet to be identified, have been in the studio in Gaborone this week, recording a special album that will be on sale at the September 29 music concert to be held at the Gaborone International Convention Centre (GICC) where 2,000 copies will be distributed.

According to Bantwini, the CD will have new music and remixes that will be specially performed for the Gaborone audience on that day. 'The CD will not be released for television or radio, it is specially for the fans who will be at the show, as more of a souvenir,' he adds with a bright smile.  Gaobakwe, however, adds that they will explore ways of making the special CD music available as downloads through a local cellular network.

Bantwini, who recently disappointed revellers when he failed to pitch up for the Miss Botswana grand finale due to transport problems, was in Gaborone this week to promote the Independence show alongside Gaobakwe.

He describes his short visit as a cultural journey:  'I went around to see recording studios, modern shopping malls, visited people at their houses, sampled food, and got the whole feeling of the city, the culture, because I felt that is very important as an artist to appreciate the cultural values of a community.'

The September 29 show will see Bantwini of Clap Your Hands fame, bringing along Black Coffee, another South African house sensation, while on the local front Zeus, Scar and several local big names that the promoters are still in discussion with.

Gaobakwe adds that South Africa Tourism has come on board by sponsoring two fully paid-for trips to Durban and Cape Town to lucky ticket buyers for the show.

For Bantwini, who is associated with the founding of a new blend of South African music called Durban House, this show is not just another show.  'It is freedom day for Batswana. As A South African I fully understand what freedom day celebrations are all about. That day should not be taken for granted. Batswana were once colonised.

They have done a lot for themselves as a nation, and it is time to look back and celebrate the nationhood; there can be no better way of doing that than using the arts, such as music. Through the arts we can express the celebrations like no other. It will be a pleasure for myself and Black Coffee to be collaborating with Botswana artists for this special occasion,' he adds.

Gaobakwe says growing up in Gaborone he was accustomed to seeing Independence Day celebrations coordinated in a big way in the city.

'It was fun. My friends and I were always looking forward to the spirit of Independence Day when life is vibrant, the town is decorated, and festivities are everywhere.  But now those activities are no more and the young people are missing out in the great spirit of Independence Day that used to reign.  We are trying to make this year's independence celebrations memorable,' explains Gaobakwe. Botswana gained her independence from Britain on September 30, 1966.