Local artists dominate Into Africa Eastern Picnic
Sunday, March 31, 2024 | 160 Views |
Nono Siile
The event is set to take place on March 31st at Adashe Garden in Thamaga. In an interview with Arts&Culture this week, Thuso Mohurutshe, organiser of the event stated that it is their wish to see through that no Motswana is left behind. Artists could therefore use the platform to make a name for themselves in the music fraternity. “Just like everyone, we know how hosting international artists can really be good to an event but I can say that our main objective is to promote and uplift local talent as they need the support considering how our industry is in Botswana,” Mohurutshe exclaimed.
To demonstrate that the event is all about local acts that are trying to make a name for themselves, it does not even consist of big artists from Botswana such as Vee Mampeezy or Charma Gal. The picnic boasts of people like Leb Gee who began his career behind the decks just last year, young MC Msato, Romeo Tha Medley, DJ Taitha, Thunder Force Polka Group, Nono Siile and many more on the line-up including the surprise act. Despite throwing their weight behind local talent, Mohurutshe highlighted that they also hope to book SA artists once they have the capital and the means to do so. “We have approached a few potential sponsors and ended up hitting a dead-end block, but we wish to have international acts at one point and without sponsors it is a hustle to be honest,” he said.
That should concern every Motswana. The implications extend far beyond cattle and farmers. Botswana’s beef industry is a critical pillar of the economy, supporting thousands of households and sustaining businesses along the value chain.The loss of access to lucrative export markets has already demonstrated how quickly an animal-health crisis can become an economic crisis.This is, therefore, not the time for complacency, blame, or political...