13 Oct 2026

Reggae music, poetry and Rastafari culture will take centre stage when the Royal Dub Sessions brings artists, cultural practitioners and members of the community together at Bakwena Cultural Village in Molepolole.

The event is set for October 31 from 1600hrs.

Spearheaded by sound engineer, poet, singer and selector Joel Mosimanyana, popularly known as Spitz Phoenix, the session is aimed at promoting unity, peaceful coexistence, cultural expression and self-reliance.

Mosimanyana said the gathering was intended to create a space where people from different backgrounds could meet, interact and 

“This is more than a music event. We want to create a space where people can come together, share knowledge and promote love, peace and unity,” said Mosimanyana. He said the event would also provide an opportunity for members of the public to learn more about Rastafari culture without relying on stereotypes.

“Rastafari is a culture and way of life with a long history in Botswana. Through music and dialogue, we want people to understand it better and appreciate the values of unity, peace and self-reliance,” he said.

He said Royal Dub Sessions is not solely a Rastafari gathering, as everyone was welcome, regardless of religious or cultural background, provided they respect the rules governing the event. Mosimanyana said the programme would combine reggae, dub, dancehall, poetry, spoken word and sound-system culture.

Among the artists expected to feature are Chantty Natural of Ramotswa, IjahMan States of Otse, Ras Lista of Molepolole and Noxybuddy. Also billed to ascent the stage is Paul CultyCul, originally from Lobatse and now based in Maun.

Poetry and spoken word will also form part of the programme, with University of Botswana lecturer and poet Moletlanyi Tshipa expected to participate. The event will also have an international flavour through Alcapone JJ from Cape Town, South Africa, who was also part of the inaugural session.

The organiser; Mosimanyana will perform as DJ Spitz Phoenix, will also serve as a selector and oversee the sound and production. Mosimanyana said the gathering was also intended to encourage communities to explore ways of becoming more self-sufficient.

“We want to encourage people to think about how they can become self-reliant and contribute to building stronger communities,” he said.

The Royal Dub Sessions was first held in 2019, but subsequent editions were disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic and financial challenges. The upcoming event therefore marks a revival of the initiative.

Mosimanyana said the revival of the event was an opportunity to build on the foundation established in 2019.

“We are bringing back the vision with the hope of creating a sustainable platform for reggae, poetry, culture and community dialogue,” he said.

He said the gathering would ultimately be about bringing people together.

“The message is simple: come with love, brotherhood and sisterhood. Let us meet, listen, learn and celebrate together,” Mosimanyana said. ENDS