29 May 2025

The Toropo Ya Muka Music Festival is set to host its 10^th and final edition at the Obed Itani Chilume Stadium in Francistown on May 31.

 This was announced by the festival’s director, Bonno Ngaka, popularly known as DJ Colastraw, during a press briefing in Francistown recently.

“I am sad to announce that this year’s Toropo Ya Muka will be  our last festival. As they say, a good dancer knows when to leave the stage, and sometimes too much of a good thing diminishes its value,” he stated.

DJ Colastraw said the festival, which began in 2015, provided a platform for Batswana artistes and contributed to the country’s vibrant music scene over the years.

He said it also did a number of social responsibility projects over the years including helping with funds for the rebuilding of the Monarch’s kgotla shelter, which was once destroyed by fire.

For this year’s edition, he said they had partnered with Ministry of Child Welfare and Basic Education to provide learners in some boarding schools with toilet paper.

DJ Colastraw also expressed gratitude to Botswana’s musicians, government, media, and the public for their unwavering support throughout the years.

Meanwhile, according to Dj Colastraw, the lineup for the festival promised to be rich as it featured 98 per cent local artistes and one international act, Jane and Abi wa Mampela.

Local artistes scheduled to perform include notable names such as ATI, Chokoma, Juu Matere, Charma Gal, Dj LaTimmy, Dr Vom, Lioness Ratang, Robotic OFC, among others.

Additionally, Francistown-based musicians and DJs like Madala vs Kelly Jess, Beauty Queens, DJ Missy, DJ Bunz, DJ Cue, and DVJ Dreazy will also take to the stage.

Gopolang Tamo, the security and logistics manager for Toropo Ya Muka, said they were expecting a large crowd and would collaborate with the Botswana Police Service to manage the crowd.

He promised that the security plan was robust, having conducted a site visit to develop a layout plan for seating arrangements, entry and exit points as well as fire department placements.

Tamo encouraged attendees to arrive early to avoid traffic congestion and to enjoy the festival responsibly.

As for ticket prices, standard tickets are sold at P150, while double tickets can be purchased for P250. BOPA