05 Sep 2016

It was a weekend to remember as the best of entertainment descended on Gaborone for the annual Gaborone International Music and Culture (GIMC) week.
With the country set to celebrate golden jubilee in the coming weeks, it was apparent that the event was setting tone for celebrations.
The likes of Black Coffee, Dj Fresh, Ricky Rick, Vee, Chrispin the Drummer, Dramaboi, Dj Sliqe, NT Base, Faded GANG, Ban T, Donald, Skizo, Mapetla, T.H.A.B.O , Dj Amstel and Dj Sbi Techn all brought the house down to what will go down as one of the best events of the year.
GIMC was on its third year in Botswana and it showed significant growth since it first started.
It must be said that Botswana artistes held their own among the best of the best and they made the country proud on the day.
Fish Pabalinga, organiser of the event, said he was happy with attendance of the week long music and culture week.
“Since we started, the numbers have grown and I want to thank everyone that came to support us,” he said, adding that when they first started people were sceptical citing the population of Botswana as a reason for concern.
He indicated that since they had tapped onto the Southern African Development Community (SADC) audience, GIMC had grown to be a brand that is loved throughout Africa.  Pabalinga called on the corporate world to show more support for the initiative.
“This year we had 50 artistes which was a celebration of our country turning 50 years and this costs a lot of money. More support from our corporate friends would go a long way in making sure that we continue to bring the very best of performers to Botswana and can also create employment for locals,” he said.
The weekend festival provided much needed entertainment even though it was marred by a bit of concerns which hopefully the organizing team can attend to.
Most people seemed to have concerns regarding the sound and the organization of entering and exiting the National Stadium.
With regard to the security of the day, Botswana Police Service (BPS) should be applauded for their professionalism and making sure everything was contained.ENDS