28 Oct 2026

A vision to transform Mosu’s cultural heritage and tourism potential into sustainable community benefits is driving the establishment of Majwe Matala Annual Music Festival. 

The initiative seeks to place the village on Botswana’s cultural entertainment map.

The inaugural festival, scheduled for New Year Eve at Debekuwe farms, is expected to bring together music lovers, artists and visitors for a celebration of traditional and contemporary music, while opening new economic opportunities for residents of Mosu and the wider Boteti area.

Founded by Tswana traditional artist Mooketsi Henson Jimson, popularly known as Matipane, the festival is anchored on the theme: Mosu Ko Makgadikgading, reflecting the organiser’s ambition to connect the village’s cultural identity with its distinctive natural landscape.

Jimson believes the festival can become more than an annual entertainment gathering, positioning it as a platform for cultural preservation, tourism promotion and community development.

“The Majwe Matala Annual Music Festival is more than an entertainment event; it is a community development initiative,” said Jimson, highlighting the importance of ensuring that local residents benefit from the visitors drawn to the area.

Jimson explained that the village of Mosu, located in Boteti District, is surrounded by natural and cultural attractions, including water springs and the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans. 

He said the natural attractions offered opportunities to strengthen domestic tourism and encourage visitors to explore the area beyond its established destinations.

However, the festival organisers believe that the economic benefits associated with tourism can be better retained within the community through coordinated entertainment, local enterprise and heritage experiences.

The event is therefore envisioned as a meeting point between music, tourism and entrepreneurship, allowing visitors to experience Mosu’s cultural identity while creating business opportunities for residents.

The economic opportunities are expected to extend beyond the stage. 

The festival will feature traditional music, contemporary performances, live bands, poetry and DJs.

“Guided tourism drives to local heritage attractions are also proposed, subject to the necessary arrangements and safety requirements,” said Jimson.

Beyond entertainment, Jimson said the initiative places local talent at the centre of its vision.

 His aim is to source 80 per cent of performers from Mosu and the wider Boteti East Constituency, giving emerging and established artists an opportunity to showcase their abilities before a broader audience.

“For local performers, the festival could provide a platform to build visibility, connect with audiences and contribute to the growth of Botswana’s creative industry,” he said.

He said residents could benefit through food and craft stalls, while local accommodation providers and other businesses may attract increased patronage during the festive period.

Jimson has also incorporated a social responsibility component into the festival’s long-term vision, committing to allocate 10 per cent of gate takings from each edition toward agreed community-support initiatives.

For Jimson, the broader ambition is to grow the festival into a nationally recognised event and eventually seek its inclusion on the Botswana Tourism Organisation’s calendar of events. ENDS