Musicians cash in on political campaigns :: Mmegi Online

Pop was part of politics during the campaign leading to the 2014 general elections but this was not a new phenomenon. Politicians have realised that one way of attracting potential voters to the freedom square is by providing entertainment in the form of music. This saw parties engaging artists to perform at their rallies.

The line-ups included both local and international artists. Politicians would then take advantage of the massive numbers to spread their election message. But this was not a new development because entertainment was also part of the package offered to voters during the 2009 general elections. In the old days, the only form of entertainment at rallies besides the politicians themselves, were the parties’ choirs.

During those days, the Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) used to have a powerful choir, which was conducted by the then specially elected MP, Gaotlhaetse Matlhabaphiri.

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