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 is a warning flare to every Motswana who logs onto social media. As a country, we have reached a point where the line between robust debate and outright destruction has become dangerously blurred. At face value, Mabeo’s response, which seeks an apology and threat of a defamation suit, might seem severe to some. But we cannot ignore the context. The comment in question did not offer a policy critique or question a political decision.It...