Botswana Society for Jazz Education (BOSJE) is gearing up to host the 10th edition of the International Jazz Day live concert on April 30 at Botswana Craft.

The local line-up boasts iconic acts such as Sereetsi & The Natives, Mpho Sebina, Sebaga on Sax, The Fleek Band, WDP, BOSJE Big Band, Jazzman Kingdom and Arts Band, set to serenade jazz lovers from 6pm until midnight.

International jazz powerhouse, Simon Wyrsch from Switzerland is expected to grace the stage.

Speaking at the press conference, BOSJE director, Akhutleleng Kekwaletswe, said the 10th instalment signified the organisation’s commitment to promoting jazz and nurturing local talent as well as transforming lives through the genre. 

Kekwaletswe said over the past 10 years, BOSJE had provided performance platforms for local and international artistes, developed young musicians through workshops, master classes and big band programmes, created opportunities for cultural exchange and had built a growing community of jazz lovers and supporters.

“We are excited about the future of jazz in Botswana and the role it continues to play in education, youth empowerment and safety,” said Kekwaletswe.

She shared that this year’s celebration promised to be bigger and more impactful and that audiences can expect powerful performances, engaging educational activities and collaborations that reflected both the local identity and global connections.

For his part, Tomeletso Sereetsi of multi award-winning band, Sereetsi & The Natives, also one of the main entertainment acts of the International Jazz Day concert, said he was honoured for the opportunity to be part of the event, especially as it celebrated its 10th anniversary.

“This anniversary represents years of hard work of the artistes who came before us in these past nine years as well as the amazing work of BOSJE in keeping jazz music alive for this long,” said Sereetsi.

Weighing in on the rise of artificial intelligence, Sereetsi cautioned against its impact on originality and artistic integrity. 

He argued that the process of making music from beginning to the end was where the joy of an artiste lied.

“My reason for living is to thrive and take time in producing. There is no rush in creativity,” said Sereetsi, expressing his vehement stance against artificial intelligence and its potential to deskill artistes.

He noted that while advanced technology played an important role, emerging artistes should not abandon learning musical instruments and creating music independently, an ethos he said was embodied by initiatives such as International Jazz Day.

“I promise to bring my A-game. I will give it my all and leave everything on the stage,” he said. ENDS