27 Nov 2017

Former Maruapula School student and The late and former president, Sir Ketumile Masire's grandson Thato Masire says his grandfather was a performing artist.

Speaking at the president’s concert organised by Mascom at Maitisong recently, Masire said the late Sir Ketumile appreciated songs and was treated to KTM melodies before his death.

He explained that his favourite song was the National Anthem, Fatshe Leno La Rona.

Thus, Masire appealed to the youth to continue Sir Ketumile’s legacy and walk the talk as the president concert was also an honour to the former president

This year’s show was a symbol and embodiment of the Setswana proverb, Lore le o jwa lo sa le metsi.

It featured poetry, story-telling, dance and a variety of musical elements including choral, marimba and live instruments.

Poet and writer, Barolong Seboni, whose wealth and experience in poetry opened the stage and shared his talent to the delight of many who had flocked the school.

Others who featured were Gaolape Basuhi, affectionately known as Ausi G, Ray Maseko, Tshepiso Marumo and Akhutleleng Mogami.

Intertwined with this was the youthful vigour and passion of Laone Thekiso, Leshie Lovesong, Tshepo Maseko, Katlego Ntirang, Jordon Moozy and a host of other young artists.

Through their creative process, the artists had the opportunity to share their talent, giving the audience an insight into the future of the arts in Botswana.

The concert is a charitable event organised by Maitisong to raise funds for the less privileged members of society and various causes. 

The initiative started in the 1990s through the influence of Sir Ketumile Masire and the former director of Maitisong, David Slater, who were instrumental in the concert coming to being.

Sir Ketumile endorsed the initiative and made a commitment to attend the event annually.

Mascom’s involvement with the president’s concert began in 2007, during the third president, Festus Mogae’s tenure.  

The concert has been renamed the Mascom President’s Concert, in honour of Mascom’s contributions over the past 10 years. ENDS