It has been traditionally regarded as music of herd boys entertaining themselves over a calabash of traditional brew, and not a product to proudly show off in a glittering concert. If ever it did traditional Tswana folklore music would be played at a cultural event more as part of cultural exhibition than anything else.
When a top-notch music promotions company decided to celebrate democracy with a themed concert at the Botswana Craft on Thursday, a day before the October 16 general election, Stampore was counted among the entertainers whose music styles were predominantly Western and Caribbean. This time Tswana folklore music was featured with such styles as rock 'n' roll, reggae, and roots. House music and a bit of rap performance were also there. Groups such as Bingi Vibes( Ras Anada), Prophet Nahum, and Chanty Killarh made up the reggae, and roots. Chanty Killer spiced up the show with his characteristic dance hall offerings that kept the fun loving revellers on their toes, while a band called So Much Soul, played a lot of rock tunes. Berry Bone, a House music producer, also played his songs with the help of a live band, while rapper Scar, who was the MC for the evening, also threw in a couple of his rap tunes. When Stampore lined up at the pre-election roots party at the Botswana Craft on Thursday, he was not the Stampore many people knew. His music was a transformed lot.
