11 Aug 2016

Gaborone International Music & Culture Week (GIMC), Botswana’s biggest music and art festival, makes its third appearance starting August 27 to September 3.

Organiser of the event as well as founder and managing director of Leapfrog, Thapelo , Pabalinga, told the meadi that the event had grown in leaps and bounds since inception in 2014. 

“Africa.Com and International Association of African Festivals listed GIMC as one of the top 10 festivals to attend in Africa,” he said, adding that this endorsement had been forth coming looking at the array of artists that graced the event in the past. 

“The list includes the likes of Mafikizolo, Judith Sephuma, Zahara, Gareth Cliff from South Africa, Jah Prayzah from Zimbabwe, comedian Basketmouth and Flavor from Nigeria just to mention a few,” he said.

He noted that the 2016 show coincided with the 50th independence anniversary of Botswana and what better ways to kick start those celebrations than with a week of music and culture. 

He noted that this year’s GIMC would feature heavyweight artists such as Jonathan Butler, Black Coffee, Dj Fresh, Riky Rick, Donald and Skizo. 

“Lebo Mashile from South Africa will headline the poetry show, whereas Salvado from Uganda, Trevor Gumbi from South Africa and Doc Vikela from Zimbabwe will headline comedy,” he said.

Pabalinga noted that this is a must attend event for most people. 

“We are expecting a huge attendance from neighbouring countries like South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia. This is testimony to the growth of this regional event that is fast taking its place amongst the major festivals on the continent,” he concluded.

Public Relations Manager at Stanbic Bank Botswana Ms Ruth Modisane said the bank would be sponsoring the jazz concert to be held at the Stanbic Molapo Piazza.

“The show will feature Jonathan Butler (USA), Sereetsi & The Natives, Re Batswana Ensemble consisting of Ndingo Johwa, Banjo Mosele, Lister Boleseng, Nnunu Ramogotsi and Lekoti Sejeso,” she said.

She indicated that Stanbic Bank was proud to be associated with GIMC as it has shown great potential and puts Botswana on a positive light with regards to people visiting the country for the show.

Tickets are available at Liquorama, Webtickets, Streethorn Café or people can visit www.gimc.co.bw for more information about the events lined-up. Ends