28 Oct 2026

Celebrated Afro-Jazz musician Punah Gabasiane is set to unite gospel and jazz enthusiasts at the inaugural Gospel Meets Jazz Concert scheduled for October 31 at Molapo Piazza in Gaborone.

The concert, billed to start at 6pm, will bring together established gospel voices and celebrated jazz musicians in an evening designed to celebrate the shared rhythms, values and uplifting messages of the two genres.

For Punah, the initiative represents a return to her musical roots while celebrating the artistic journey that has established her as one of Botswana’s recognised female jazz performers.

“My calling in music started to manifest publicly in 1999 with the gospel album Introducing Punah. Before going solo, I was a choral singer in my youth, mentored by the late Gomolemo Motswaledi,” she said.

She later ventured into Afro-jazz, building a reputation through music and performances at corporate events, festivals and private functions.

Punah said the concert was inspired by the similarities between gospel and jazz, particularly their ability to communicate messages that encourage, unite and uplift society.

“The show will unite legendary gospel voices and renowned jazz icons in one electrifying evening,” she said.

The gospel line-up features Dr Phempheretlhe Bafana Pheto, South African musician William Mthethwa and Queen of Gospel Gabo Thotobolo.

Jazz performers scheduled to take the stage include Shanti-Lo, Nono Seile, Nnunu Ramogotsi and Kearoma Rantao, with Punah herself expected to headline.

She explained that the selection of performers was deliberate, as she wanted to honour musicians who have influenced her development while demonstrating the common ground between the two genres.

Beyond entertainment, the concert reflects Punah’s commitment to social responsibility. Over the years, she has supported causes relating to gender-based violence awareness, the protection of the girl child and the promotion of Botswana’s cultural identity. She is also part of the female jazz trio Women in Jazz, alongside Ramogotsi and Seile.

Punah said a portion of the concert proceeds would be donated to an organisation dedicated to promoting the welfare of the girl child.

She said the concert was intended to celebrate the meeting of faith and artistry while using music to promote unity, hope, love and resilience, adding that the inaugural event marked the beginning of what she hoped would become an annual fixture on Botswana’s entertainment calendar.

“Punah is a jazz musician, but she is also a gospel musician. When I am on stage, people can still see Sister Punah, who emerged as a gospel artist in 1999,” she said.

The concert promises gospel and jazz enthusiasts an opportunity to experience two musical traditions on one stage while celebrating artists whose work continues to shape Botswana’s music industry. ENDS