Legends unleash their musical prowess at independence show
Friday, October 03, 2014

Legendary gospel singer, Marakakgoro performing at the Botswana Independence Day Celebrations Legends Music Festival. PIC: KEBOFHE MATHE
Pioneer recording jazz band Kgwanyape, Afro Sunshine, kwaito’s Davet Crew, gospel musician Phempheretlhe Pheto, T-Joint and traditional outfit Machesa Traditional Dance group, were just some of the 35 artists who performed at the event, organised by Department of Youth Sports and Culture.
The colourful event recognised and celebrated local talent and the role music has played in enhancing Botswana culture since independence. The show had good representation of various genres.
Instead, it has sparked a storm of accusations, denials, and unresolved questions about the influence of De Beers on the nation’s politics. Former president Mokgweetsi Masisi’s claims that the diamond giants bankrolled his removal to dodge taxes – and that the new Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) government watered down a favourable diamond deal – are explosive matters. But without evidence, they risk becoming a toxic distraction from...