Masekela, Keita leave a mark in Gaborone
Friday, May 08, 2015
Salif Keita PIC THALEFANG CHARLES
The two performed in separate shows last month, with each leaving their own mark on the stage. However, these were not just music festivals but also encompassed historical moments, which will be forever cherished. The two shows also reminded people of the olden days and how discrimination often served to drive people closer to each other.
Masekela made Gaborone his second home in the late 60s and early 70s after fleeing from his native home country, South Africa, which was embroiled in the apartheid struggle. Masekela was among those musicians who took the lead in mobilising international support against the oppressive regime.
It highlights the need to protect rights such as access to clean water, education, healthcare and freedom of expression.President Duma Boko, rightly honours past interventions from securing a dignified burial for Gaoberekwe Pitseng in the CKGR to promoting linguistic inclusion. Yet, they also expose a critical truth, that a nation cannot sustainably protect its people through ad hoc acts of compassion alone.It is time for both government and the...