24 Apr 2015

People should expect a thriller at this year’s annual Maitisong festival, particularly that the opening ceremony has already set the pace.

The ceremony held on Wednesday, April 22 proved that the 2015 Maitisong festival would be bigger and exciting. The one week event brings the best of Botswana alongside the best of the world in different art disciplines ranging from music, theatre, poetry, dance and visual art.

Maitisong 2015 official opening showcased a fresh ensemble that combined operatic versions by Tshenolo Batshogile, house tunes by renowned DJ La Timmy, percussions and African drums by Mike Sibanda, guitarist Kabo Leburu and the legendary pianist Lekofu Sejeso.

The peak of the opening ceremony was when DJ La Timmy took to the decks with Mophato Dance Theatre, Sky Blue Dance Hub and Mobini dancing to the tunes, something that left the audience enthralled.

This year’s theme is ‘elevate’ which Maitisong director, Gao Lemmenyane said aimed to take the festival in particular, and the creative industries in general to greater heights.

Maitisong Festival is the largest performing arts festival in Botswana, a great showcase for both established and upcoming local talent. 

During the festival, a series of exciting activities will take place at Maitisong, Mantlwaneng, Thapong Visual Arts Centre and Molapo Piazza.

Dance will see performances by Sky Blue Dance Hub, Mophato Dance Theatre and Dance crew battle, while theatre will feature Dops Baipidi, Tefo Paya, Kgomotso Tshwenyego, Marang Molosiwa, Donald Molosi, Donn Swaby and Mandy Promotions.

As for music, Zeus, the Metrophones, Bhudaza, and Tshenolo Batshogile among others will perform at the 2015 Maitisong Festival.

There is also poetry which will feature Berry Heart, Dasha Kelly, TJ Dema, Black Raw Streetz, Thato Ntshabele, Leshie Lovesong and many more.

Meanwhile, Gabz fm sponsored the festival with P438 000 worth of airtime while the Ministry of Youth Sport and Culture pledged P200 000 cash.

Thapong Visual Arts Centre availed space for some activities taking place during the course of the festival. ENDS