21 Aug 2014

The most anticipated music and culture event of the year will kickoff on August 27 at BotswanaCraft with a poetry night and run for five days with other genres in creative arts, serenading music and culture lovers alike.

The first of its kind in Botswana and expected to be an annual event, people are being urged not to miss the inaugural Gaborone International Music and Culture Week (GIMC) and show support to the Batswana artistes who will be performing at the event.

Speaking at a press briefing, the organiser of the event and also managing director of Leapfrog Communication and Advertising Agency, Thapelo Pabalinga said he is optimistic that Batswana from all corners of the country will come and support this exciting event

“What is most exciting about this event is that all the shows are headlined by Batswana artistes from Tj Dema, KMT Choir, Michael ‘Dignash’ Morapedi, Vee, and Zeus to Lister Boleseng among others,” he said.

He indicated that for once, foreign artistes will be the ones making up the numbers unlike at past shows, where Batswana artistes were used as fillers.

Pabalinga said foreign artistes include Zahara, Judith Sephuma, Donald, Shane Cooper and the Limpopo comedian, Mashabela Galane.

Preparations for the event are complete as next week Wednesday beckons for the event to start.

“This is certainly one of the most exciting projects we have undertaken in recent years and the whole Leapfrog team is geared up to give Batswana an event that they will remember for years to come,” he said.

He indicated that the event will kick off with a poetry night show at Botswana Craft, with tickets going for P100 and starts at 7pm.

“The second show will be choral at Mantlwaneng Hall at Westwood School on August 28, with tickets going for P200 and the show starts at 7pm,” said Pabalinga.

He further said on August 29, Gaborone Sun will host the comedy night show from 7pm and tickets are P200. Pabalinga indicated that the show that most people are anticipating, which is the International Music Festival will be at the National Stadium and starts at 1pm till late, and tickets go for P100 and P250 (Golden circle).

“The P250 VIP ticket will entitle ticket holders to front seating on the pitch as well as access to the grandstand seats and the P100 ticket, holders will be able to seat at Panda or the North stands or on the pitch behind the VIP seating,” he said, adding that there will be multiple screens placed around inside the stadium.

He indicated that camp chairs will be allowed but people are free to use the stands.

Botswana Craft will get to close off the event by hosting a Jazz Festival starting at 4pm and tickets are sold for P200 and are available at Botswana Craft and Liquorama.

Speaking about the issue of security of patrons, Pabalinga said they have hired over 300 security men and bouncers to maintain order during the entire week, with special emphasis at the National Stadium.

“The car park for instance, by the Notwane grounds adjacent to the National Stadium will be lit by four mobile floodlights that will ensure the safety of people’s cars,” he said

He also said they have hired car stewards who normally direct traffic at popular shopping malls to help with looking after people’s cars.

“People should note that tickets are available at Liquorama, Botswana Craft, Web tickets and Leapfrog or they can call (+267) 3923381 for more information,” he said.

He further said they have partnered with a local travel agent and some people who attend either the poetry, choral or comedy show will stand a chance to win a safari game drive at Mokolodi Nature Reserve.

“In future, people will stand a chance to win trips to some of the more famous destinations available within the country and this is all meant to promote local tourism and what better way than to have Batswana experience them,” he concluded. ENDS