Mmegi

Swabi reflects on a 40-year musical legacy

Swabi reflects on a 40-year musical legacy
Swabi reflects on a 40-year musical legacy

In the early 1960s, George Swabi had little more than his voice and a homemade Setinkane. But an impromptu visit to Radio Botswana a decade later would change his life forever. This week, SHARON MATHALA visited the legendary musician at his Palapye home, where the Serowe-born artist reflected on a career that possibly helped shape Botswana’s traditional music landscape

Though old age has crept in, Swabi’s frail appearance is deceptive as his energy remains strikingly youthful; his storytelling is animated by decades of lived experience. When asked whether he is ready to hang up the microphone, he pauses briefly and answers.

“Very soon, actually. I don’t think that by next year, I will still be able to perform. The years have passed, but music is the only thing I know, you know,” he said.

Editor's Comment
Establish motive for soldier’s murder

The commissioned officer was recently found lying in a pool of blood lifeless at his home in Molepolole. Therefore, his demise shouldn’t be treated as another statistic, either. As detectives look to solve the murder case, they should dig deeper for answers and leave no stone unturned in establishing the motive for this killing which seems like action movie execution style. There seem to be more to this case than simply meets the eye especially...

Have a Story? Send Us a tip
arrow up