The event was a celebration of Botswana’s jazz culture, showcasing both seasoned and emerging talent. It attracted a satisfying number of audience and the outdoor event setup was intimate and refreshing. According to the event organiser, Leroy Nyoni, it was the first event of its kind as it successfully merged terrestrial radio, digital streaming, and live performances into one unique experience. He said the event was inspired by the need to create more platforms for Botswana’s rich jazz heritage while merging traditional radio broadcasting with modern digital access. Additionally, he said it aligned with a broader vision to position Botswana’s music industry on a regional and global stage, ensuring local talent reaches wider audiences. "Botswana’s entertainment industry requires more structured, high-profile platforms, and this event helped fill that gap.
The jazz community in Botswana is thriving, and Breezing with WDP and Friends was a timely initiative to showcase its talent. It also served as an opportunity to bridge the gap between local artists and commercial success, fostering growth in the creative sector," he explained. He further pointed out that all Things Musical was committed to expanding Botswana’s live music culture. He said they planned to turn Breezing with WDP and Friends into a recurring series, featuring different artists and continuously evolving its format. Their vision is to extend this concept to different music genres and cities, making it an integral part of Botswana’s music scene. Nyoni is an audio designer, music curator, and the founder of All Things Musical. His passion lies in merging technology with live entertainment to drive industry growth. He also said he is dedicated to artist development, helping creatives build sustainable careers, and positioning Botswana as a recognised hub for music and culture in Africa. The event was headlined by WDP (We Don’t Play), a dynamic crossover jazz band. BOSJE Junior Band opened the show, highlighting young jazz talent, while Grow to Black Collective delivered an incredible fusion of jazz and contemporary sounds. The line-up was carefully curated to reflect the richness and diversity of Botswana’s jazz scene.
The energy was electric, and the response was overwhelmingly positive. Nyoni said the strong turnout demonstrated the vitality of Botswana’s jazz community, with enthusiastic support from jazz lovers, industry professionals, and casual music fans alike. He added that the event proved the power of well-executed live music experiences and reaffirmed the demand for such platforms. "Hosting an event of this magnitude comes with challenges, including securing sponsorship and funding, balancing live and digital elements, and convincing audiences to embrace a new event format. Managing logistics for artists, sound, and broadcasting required strong partnerships and meticulous coordination. The audience response was exceptional, with an appreciation for both traditional and contemporary jazz sounds. The mix of styles kept people engaged, and feedback was overwhelmingly positive, both in-person and online," Nyoni attested. The event successfully brought together different generations of jazz lovers. Nyoni said they chose to host the event at Mo’s Open Table because it was the perfect venue for offering the right ambiance for a jazz experience.
He said it provided the premium feel they aimed for while being centrally located and easily accessible to a diverse audience. The space also allowed for a seamless multi-platform broadcast, blending live and digital experiences effectively. "Breezing with WDP and Friends is more than just a concert—it’s a movement. We are working to establish this as a model for future music events in Botswana. Our partnerships with platforms like Duma FM and Gabz FM help expand artist reach while contributing to the creative economy. The event also plays a significant role in youth employment, providing opportunities for creatives and technology professionals to participate in the evolving entertainment industry," he stated.
