Stampore and Banjo starring at Satchmo's tonight

LEKOPANYE MOOKETSI
Correspondent | Wednesday July 16, 2008 00:00

 

The two have been staging what has been dubbed Cultural Night, at the Gaborone West nightclub every Wednesday. 

The aim of the concert is to showcase traditional and folk music. The previous shows have not been well attended, thereby raising questions whether  this show should be held on Wednesdays. Many revellers do not want to go out in the middle of the week because they have to face work and a throbbing headache the following day. But last Wednesday, the chilly weather must have contributed to the poor attendance.  

However that did not dampen the spirits of the musicians who performed, especially Stampore. In fact, it was Stampore's show as Banjo was merely backing him. 

That concert was a night of the guitars with Banjo on the lead, young Kabelo Tamukate on bass and Stampore with his box guitar. Later, may be as a show of respect, Banjo handed his guitar to former Botswana Defence Fence (BDF) guitarist Sebetso Morolong, who did justice to the instrument. The pint sized Morolong proved that he is still a force to reckon. He might have retired from the army but not from music. He played as if he had rehearsed for the show.  

But the night belonged to the Molepolole man, Stampore. Clad in a stapora cap he was in his element as he belted out his songs. His voice is still distinctive, especially when he is doing 'dikgapha'. Somebody took Stampore to task about  his song fa modimo a ka nthusa bogolo ka e bona ka matlho. Stampore shyly responded that he was talking about money.

In one track, Stampore was rapping in Sesotho. And who said folklore singers cannot sing in English? He has just composed an English song.

Stampore simply takes you places with his folk music. At some stage he would take you to the old days as he plays songs that were popular at village parties.  

Banjo might be based thousands of kilometres away in the European capital, while Stampore is confined to some unknown address in Molepolole village, but the two men have one thing in common. They are bonded by music - and they are quite a combination on the stage. Banjo enjoys playing with Stampore so much and feels that there is something unique about folklore music. Stampore is one of the local musicians Banjo respects so much. 

Traditional group, Ditaola, also performed. The stage had to be barricaded so people could not invade it to dance with the group. Ditaola gave a good account of themselves, especially with their old song, Ditaola. 

The traditional troupe has been invited to perform in Lesotho and some of their fans were invited to accompany them to the mountain kingdom. 

Jazzman  Jonas 'Jazzy Jay' Moipolai is not only confined to jazz. It seems he is a man who loves music. Jazzy Jay has so much energy  when it comes to music. Moipolai, who is sporting a greying goatie these days, also jumped on the stage for a step or two.   The members of Ditaola also acknowledged his support for their group.