28 Mar 2017

With Maitisong Festival scheduled for April 1-11, and going on its 31st year, the organisers have promised thrilling events.
According to Gao Lemmenyane, director of Maitisong, artistes from afar and local would join in on this roller-coaster 10 day long shindig.  
“As we consolidate the impressive line-up, we assure you of the best international and BW talent. Billed to perform at this year’s festival are performers from Botswana and South Africa.  The festival opening night will be graced by a truly international band called Kgalagadi Soul. Part of this band is Botswana’s beloved four string guitar master Sereetsi and the Natives of the famous tunes Robete and Tha Kokome. He performs on April 4 at 730pm at Maitisong. Admission is P200, which includes refreshments,” he said.
He said from Limpopo province in South Africa, they would bring the Double bill which is led by South African Moses Rasekele, who is an actor on Generations: The legacy and the two theatre performances promise nothing but the best.
Lemmenyane further said in comedy, Soweto comedy would battle it out with Botswana’s funniest.
“Chris Mapane is back again with Tumi Stopnonsons and they face off with Botswana’s rising comedy star Bambino, the legendary MOD, Ribcracker and the new funny kid on the block Johnny. They will crack ribs on April 7 at 730pm and admission is only P150,” said Lemmenyane.
He went on to say that Mandy Promotions would bring back the popular theatre production of A day before Execution: I’m sorry Mr President, while The Company@Maitisong would also extend the Barclays Madi Majwana radio show to those who may not have seen it during the recent launch.
“At Stanbic Bank Piazza expect Socca Moruakgomo’s acclaimed musical Moratiwa and the internationally renowned one man show from Cape Town titled Pay for the Curry which happens on April 11. Fashion without Borders show is at Avani Hotel & Casino on April 7,” he said.
He noted that as for the free shows, they will take place on the outdoor stages at Maitisong, Thapong and Old Naledi.
Lemmenyane said the flagship Old Naledi Outdoor Music Show promises to be bigger and better and it is supported by the Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Sport and Culture Development.
“This concert will come at a later stage and will extend beyond Gaborone this time around. This is but a sneak preview of the many activities that the festival will offer,” he said.
Speaking on the highlights of last year’s festival, Lemmenyane said one show that stuck out was a stage production by the lead actor of the Oscar Award winning South African film Tsotsi, Presley Chweneyagae titled Beautiful Things, which outlined the story of a woman whose traumatic past prevented her from moving on with life.
He also said three dance productions were presented.
“An international troupe from Namibia, OYO performed with Mophato Dance Theatre and Sky Blue Dance Hub. Moduduetso Lecoge celebrated her grandmother Dr. Gaositwe Chiepe in A Woman of Many Firsts and The Company@Maitisong staged the internationally acclaimed Born around here which went on to tour Artscape in Cape Town,” he continued.
Lemmenyane also indicated that the US Embassy in Gaborone brought Miles Hodges from New York City who conducted workshops for artists and teachers, coordinated and performed alongside local and South African artists.  ENDS