Mmegi

Botswana hosts second JAAM FEST

Hosting JAAM FEST in Botswana also tells a broader story
Hosting JAAM FEST in Botswana also tells a broader story

On August 9, 2025, Gaborone, Botswana will host the second edition of the Jive Africa Annual Music Festival (JAAM FEST). I co-founded the festival alongside local artists Chedza Pansiri, Kabo Leburu, Oliver the Poet, Solly Sebotso, and Jay-Jay Musi.

From the outset, our goal was simple yet ambitious: to create a space where African creatives can grow, share their work, and thrive—without feeling compelled to seek validation or opportunities abroad.

We launched JAAM FEST in 2024 with a modest budget of P12,000. Despite limited resources, the festival came to life through inspiring performances by the Royal Jazz Band, the gifted visually impaired Zimbabwean keyboardist Musi, and celebrated Botswana artists including Sebotso, Gaolaolwe (known as Oliver the Poet), and Leburu.

Editor's Comment
Our digital safety is in our hands

That sounds like good news. But the report also warns that this may simply be because our digital economy is still young, not because we are safe. As more people shop, bank and pay online, criminals will follow.We Batswana do not need a report to tell us that danger is real. Many of us have heard of or fallen victim to KYC scams. A caller impersonates your bank or mobile money provider. They say they need to “verify” your account. They ask...

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