At least 26 cultural groups and solo artists will perform at the inaugural ‘Motse wa Setso Cultural Festival’, slated for April 9th at Molapo Leisure Gardens.
In a first of its kind, organisers will bring together some of Botswana’s biggest traditional acts for an epic cultural night in the second capital.
Legends such as Dr Vom, of the timeless hit ‘Tsaya thobane’, Ditiro Leero, Maghebula, Matsieng, Dikakapa, Tshumu, Jojo, Ramozara, Matsosangwao and several others are scheduled to light up the Easter Sunday event.
According to Event Manager, Crella Aaron, Kwasa Kwasa King, Franco has been included as a guest artist to add extra sparkle to the star-studded line-up.
“This’ll be the first ever event in Francistown where all heavy hitters share the stage. We’re talking all of Botswana’s traditional genres on the same ground,” she declared.
“Talk about sebirwa, tsutsube, hosana, phathisi, dikhwaere, namastep, we’ve got it all!” continued Aaron, adding the event will give a lot of artists who have never performed in Francistown an opportunity to finally play in front of their northern fans.
“Would you believe that artists like MmaAusi, who has a large following here, will be performing in the city for the first time!” she said, noting groups like Mmurubele, Dikakapa, Machesa and Matsieng have been absent from Ghetto for many years.
“Most artists haven’t performed here in a while for various reasons, so the ninth will be the day everyone has been waiting for,” she said.
Aaron encouraged patrons to embrace the day and come dressed in traditional attire.
“You’ve to dress up. Molapo Leisure Gardens will be a cultural boiling pot. This event has been endorsed by all three of Francistown’s Members of Parliament and we also expect the Minister of Youth and Culture, Tumiso Rakgare to officiate.”
She revealed they have also partnered with BonFella Records and are still awaiting response from other government departments.
“We appeal to Francistown based companies to purchase tickets to spend their Easter enjoying traditional music,” added Aaron.
Tickets are selling for P500 (VIP), P400 (family, two adults and three kids), P250 (two people) and P150 (advanced).
With a number of recent gigs in the second city failing to live up to the hype, Aaron is confident ‘Motse wa Setso Cultural Festival’ will win the critics over.
“It has been really tough for Francistown promoters and artists, and we hope that this show will be a success and restore investors’ confidence in Francistown as a viable destination for events,” she said.