15 May 2016

Legendary Japanese jazz saxophonist, Sadao Watanabe, affectionately referred to as Nabesada, is set to be in Botswana from May 18-24.A press release from Japan Embassy states that Sadao is expected to pay a courtesy call on President Lt Gen. Dr Seretse Khama Ian Khama and together with his five-piece band will perform at a special concert in the evening at the Molapo Piazza.

The concert will also feature Banjo Mosele and Veterans, Motshe Wa Badimo Ensemble and Nnunu Ramogotsi. However, prior to the courtesy call, Sadao, who is in his 63rd year as a performing professional, will on May 19, address the press and facilitate a music workshop for local musicians. 

The release also says President Khama invited Watanabe to come to Botswana during his official visit to Japan in 2010, which was a sequel of the successful collaboration between Sadao and Botswana’s local artists Banjo Mosele and Veterans as well as Dipela Tsa Ga Kobokwe.

It also says following the widely acclaimed cultural collaboration, President Khama thanked Sadao for his contribution to global understanding through music and invited him to Botswana to give Batswana a chance to appreciate his music, as part of enhancing people-to-people cooperation and cultural understanding between Japan and Botswana.

The release says Sadao’s visit promises to be a memorable occasion.Further, it says during his time in Botswana, Sadao will also visit Maun and the Okavango Delta for a two-night safari experience at the Eagle Island Lodge before returning to Japan on May 24.

Meanwhile, Sadao’s visit is a collaboration of the Embassy of Botswana in Japan with the main sponsors including De Beers Group, Standard Chartered Bank, Air Botswana and Belmond Safaris. It is also supported by some stakeholders including Qatar Airways, BOT50 Committee, Botswana Tourism Organisation (BTO), Masa Hotel, Urban Motion Communication Group, Cresta President Hotel and Braveheart Production Company.

The public is therefore encouraged to come in large numbers to enjoy the music of the iconic musician. ENDS