21 Feb 2016

Jazz fanatics are expected to flock Duma Grounds for the third edition of the Hamptons Live Jazz Festival  billed for February 27.

Briefing the media on the event on recently,  the organiser Debbie Smith said they have a big line up for the occasion, among them international acts being Caiphus Semenya and Letta Mbulu, Stimela, Vusi Mahlasela, The Soil, Oliver Mtukudzi, Nathi and Vusi Nova.

The local acts include Women of Jazz Botswana, Sereetsi and the Natives, Trinity Mpho, Sharon Sibonge Nono Siile, Dj Laninah Benz and Stomps and hosts Goitse and Kabelo Tiro.

She said they have now created capacity and ability to host a sucessful event given the time they have been hosting the event.

“As Hamptons Promoters our objective is to support and promote local artistes and see them gaining recognition internationally and we are not restricted to one music genre,” said Smith.

The logistics caretaker of the event David Letshwiti assured maximum security as they have engaged G4s Security Company and Botswana Police Service who will be there in numbers compared to last year.

He said the set up will be ready by Thursday and sound checking will be done by the local artistes  on Friday . VIP ticket going for  P1500, Couples  P699, Early Bird package going for  P280 have been sold out and the P 480 tickets are the only ones available.

Giving remarks, the Mayor of Gaborone City Kagiso Thutlwe said they are excited about the event as Botswana is turning 50 years as well as the city turning 30 years.

He said they are happy  Gaborone has such a big Jazz festival that can rival big festivals such as Durban July which is held in neighbouring South Africa.

However Thutlwe encouraged the local artistes who will be performing at the event to utilise the opportunity, adding time has come for them to rise up.

The mayor appealed to the artists to approach Gaborone City Council to seek for open spaces reserved for young people. Ends