05 May 2013

Gaborone music revellers were spoilt for choice as the city’s hot spots were a beehive of live music activity over the weekend.

One of the spots, Botswana Craft, the house of jazz music, hosted one of the best local jazz bands, Stream Jazz alongside South African muso, Siphokazi Maraqana. 

The show, which competed with others that were held simultaneously, was attended by a small crowd of  jazz fanatics.

The show however did not disappoint as performances by Stream Jazz band and Siphokazi were impressive. 

Stream Jazz, which is  a six piece band with Thabo Mothabaputi as the lead singer, played songs from their album such as ‘Tsa Lefatshe’, ‘Modimo’ and ‘Bojalwa’.

The jazz band, which first cut its teeth in the music industry in 2008, also played popular jazz songs from their icons who are mostly South African legends. 

When Siphokazi took to the stage, her fans got up on their feet to admire their icon at close range while some got onto the dance floor.

From the first song of her first album to the last song which is a hit, Siphokazi’s fans could not stop admiring and singing along all the lyrics which are all in isiXhosa. 

The low turnout did not deter Siphokazi who sang her heart out and gave all her best to her fans.

The songstress, who has won prestigious awards such as the 2007 South African Music Awards best newcomer as well as the Metro FM best produced album and best female vocalist, gave the crowd her whole heart and soul.

She said she never takes her audience for granted and makes sure she does her best in every performance. 

The humble and down to earth artiste impressed the crowds with her amazing vocal talent especially her ability to switch  from a high pitched tone to the lowest tone in an instant.

The audience screamed in delight then sang and danced along with her when she performed her hit songs, ‘Amacala’, ‘Usemncane’ as well as ‘Uphumaphi’.

In an interview after the show, Siphokazi expressed her delight and excitement at performing in Botswana saying that it was her first time performing in the country as a solo artist. Siphokazi first performed in Botswana in 2003 as a backing vocalist for Tshepo Tshola and Zamajobe.

The spiritual songstress, who kept on telling her audience about the need to put God first in their lives, said for a long time she has been praying to God to open doors for her to perform outside South Africa. “I believe my coming here has been an answer from God and I am grateful for that,” she said.

Siphokazi said she was impressed by the audience who sang along all her songs even those from the first album. “I am so happy to have performed here and I would not hesitate to get back on yet another invitation,” she said. ENDS