28 Aug 2017

The founder of Gaborone International Music & Culture Week (GIMC) says he is grateful to all stakeholders who have bought into his vision of GIMC from the word go.
Speaking at a press briefing, Fish Pabalinga, who manages GIMC through Leapfrog, noted that they were turning four years this year, and were staking a claim as one of the best events to attend.

“When we sit down and plan for the following year we thoroughly think of what we are doing because we are not only thinking about local, but international penetration as well. It’s quite pleasing that there is going to be a lot of people coming from outside Botswana to attend this event,” he said.

He noted that it was not often that people got to see Jonathan Butler and Kirk Whalum playing at the same event, especially in Africa, and that they were in for a treat as GIMC kicked off its week-long schedule with a jazz session at the Stanbic Molapo Piazza.

Some of the local artists to perform at the jazz session include Amantle Brown, Canada based Motswana artist, Trinity Mpho, UK based Motswana artist, Lorraine Lion Heart, Jazz Man, Sino’s Delux and Bemotho from Namibia.

Pabalinga said the reason they brought in some Batswana artists based outside the country for the first show was for them to come and share their experiences of venturing out into the world.

“Our vision and intent is the reason why we have sponsors partnering with us to make this event a success. We believe that no man is an island and no one has ever been able to do it alone hence we encourage some of our visiting artists to stay a day or two after their performances so as to share their wisdom at a workshop we organise for local artists,” he said.

He said if all stakeholders put their collaborative efforts together and worked towards a common goal, Botswana could export a lot of her artistic talent to the world.

“I hope everyone is looking forward to a very fruitful week full of varying performances, and I must say that it is very touching to have Jonathan Butler and Kirk Whalum who are very passionate about their community work,” said Pabalinga.

He said Butler would be visiting Nanogang Junior Secondary School to donate various gifts to the marimba team that was roped in last year to be the opening act at the same event.

“This is a very nice touch and the students will one day tell stories of how Jonathan Butler visited their school, and that is the kind of legacy GIMC wants to leave behind,” he said, adding that last year when Butler was here, he played a song with Tomeletso Sereetsi and had since become friends.

“Who knows, maybe one day they might just have a collaborative project together,” he stated.

Pabalinga said they were careful of the kind of artists they brought because they wanted artists with the same vision and intent as them.

Butler said he was always happy to be back in Botswana, and that the hospitality and warmth made him feel at home.

“I know this is a jazz festival but someone in the audience is going to be imparted, the artists are going to be imparted with something and I look forward to talking to the musicians,” he said.

He noted that last they had a workshop and that he was looking forward to continue for the benefit of local musicians.

“As I always say, God use me I am available, Botswana use me I am available. If I can do anything to support the music initiatives in Botswana and help bring about the vision that Fish spoke of, I am glad to be of assistance,” he said.

He said he was grateful and thankful to have been invited for the second time and hoped to be invited again next year.

GIMC is set to host other events such as poetry, theatre, choral, comedy, fashion meets champagne and the main event of a music festival billed for next week Saturday at the National Stadium.

The main event is set to host among others Cassper Nyovest, Prince Kaybee, Ricky Rick, Okmalumkoolkat, Mafikozolo, Vee, MMP Family, Team Distant, Skin Flint and many more local and international artists.  ENDS