30 Aug 2017

International Music & Culture Week (GIMC) got off to a blistering start over the weekend as local songstress Amantle Brown held her own among the big guns and showed she could perform with the finest.

With world class performers such as Kirk Whalum, Jonathan Butler, Trinity Mpho, Lorraine Lion Heart and Bemotho also performing, Amantle Brown showed her true class and had the crowd asking for more.

Not taking anything away from the other acts that also brought their A-game, it was a memorable and enjoyable jazz concert that showed the growth and likeability of GIMC.

Fish Pabalinga, who manages GIMC through Leapfrog, indicated in an interview that this year they were turning four years and staking a claim as one of the best events to attend not only in Africa, but possibly the world.

“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 said it was not often that people got the chance to see Jonathan Butler and Kirk Whalum playing at the same event, especially in Africa and indeed people got the chance to see the two maestros on stage together doing what they do best and it was a spectacle.

Pabalinga further said they brought in some Batswana artists based outside the country for the first show to share their experiences.

“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 can export a lot of her artistic talent to the rest of 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.

Jonathan Butler earlier in the day visited Nanogang Junior Secondary Scchool and donated various gifts to the marimba team that was roped in last year to be the opening act at the very same event he performed at.

“This is a very nice touch and these 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 also last year when Jonathan Butler was here, he played a song with Tomeletso Sereetsi and they had since become friends.

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

Pabalinga said they were careful of the kind of artistes they brought because they wanted artistes who shared  the same vision and intent.

On the other hand, Jonathan Butler said he was always happy to be back in Botswana and 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 artistes are going to be imparted with something and I look forward to talking to the musicians,” he said.

He indicated that last time they had a workshop and he was looking forward to continuing with it for the benefit of all 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 Pabalinga spoke of, I am glad to be of assistance,” he said.

He expressed gratitude to have been invited for the second time and hoped he would be invited again next year.

The 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 (September 9) at the National Stadium.

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