23 Aug 2015

Sereetsi and the Natives, a musical band led by guitarist and writer, Tomeletso Sereetsi is set to perform in Mafikeng, South Africa, on August 30. 

The group has also recently launched ‘Ke Motswana’ campaign; a campaign that seeks to encourage Batswana to take pride in their culture and identify. 

Sereetsi has revealed in an interview that the group will serenade its audience with an unplugged solo set, sharing the stage with SA jazz star, Bonolo Molosiwa.

 The group leader describes the musical group as a refreshing definitive reference in the contemporisation of folk music in Botswana and a unique voice in the world music arena.  

“We are not a band in the traditional sense, Sereetsi and the Natives is just me and the people, native Batswana. 

We present a fearless new sound that is as forward looking as is rooted in the indigenous musical traditions of Botswana with Afro Jazz textures, and influences from Western idioms like pop, jazz and classical music.”

Sereetsi and the Natives signature is the Botswana four string folk guitar and the many traditional rhythms of Botswana.

Sereetsi rose to musical stardom and fame in 2013, after the publication of his book, Botswana’s Four String Guitar, the first ever guitar instructional book.

The success of the book then led to the formation of the band which is made up of numerous natives, among them Mike who often plays bass, Spiro regularly on the keys, Mbiganyi on saxophone and Sugha on drums.  

Recently, the group performed at the SADC Summit arts concert in Molapo Piazza.

Last week, the group also launched ‘Ke Motswana’ campaign as a build up to their album launch in November. 

He said the queen of Afro jazz; Punah Gabasiane-Molale will be a star supporting act during the launch. 

Sereetsi and the Natives is also billed to perform at an international music conference in Durban, South Africa starting September 29 to October 4.

 At the event, Sereetsi has revealed that he will present a guitar workshop for the conference.

“My presentation will be mainly about unmasking the Four String Guitar of Botswana,” he said. Ends