03 May 2016

With the return of the Mascom Live Sessions at Botswanacraft for the year, it was no surprise that the acts of the night did not disappoint one bit and it was even gratifying to hear Zolani Mahola, lead singer of South African music band Freshlyground heap praise on Mpho Sebina and Gaone Rantlhoiwa for a splendid job done on stage.

As winter crept in on Friday evening, it was none other than Mpho Sebina who was tasked with doing the opening act and she held her own even though most people felt she should have been more engaging with her choreography.

She hardly ever danced even though she was singing songs that had a kick to them and she just seemed to sway her hips.

A bit of stage presence may do her good in future if she becomes more engaging, but other than that, she has an amazing voice.

“Mpho Sebina sang like an angel and I felt like I was in heaven listening to her from the crowd,” said Zolani during her band’s performance.

In came Gaone Rantlhoiwa and she owned the stage right from the onset and it was a bit of a disappointment that she was given little time on stage, whereas Mpho Sebina had sufficient time on stage.

Gaone has the right energy and her songs are very good, but one felt that she needed to do more in terms of voice training so she nails her all round performance, but other than that it was money well spent for most people.

As Freshlyground took to stage, one could not help but notice the grace in which they took to stage and the good looking Zolani did not look like a mother of two.

She was all up on that stage, dancing, singing, and engaging and very much in tune with how the crowd responded to their whole performance.

Freshlyground is a South African Afro-fusion band that was formed in Cape Town in 2002 and the band members variously hail from South Africa, Mozambique, and Zimbabwe.

Freshlyground’s musical style blends elements of traditional South African music (such as kwela and African folk music), blues, jazz, and features of indie rock and did give the fans what they came for.

What has always stood out with Mascom Live Sessions is the live music, clear sound, always starts on time and the professionalism that they show to their customers and one can only wish other promoters and venue operators could take a cue from them. Ends