The annual Botswana music camp that was initially cancelled is back on track and will take place.
The camp, which has been running for 25 years now, was cancelled due to lack of finances as the usual sponsors did not come forward this time around.
However, the Department of Arts and Culture saved the day with a sum of P150 000 that will make it possible for the camp to take place. The camp is set to take place at the Oodi College of Applied Arts. This year’s slogan is Music: Life’s heart beat.
Speaking at a press conference held at Maitisong recently, the music camp committee Chairperson, Gaolape Basuhi, said that despite the short notice in organizing this year’s event nothing will fall short. She assured that the quality will not be compromised.
Basuhi, however, said that instead of the 100 people that they usually take up, this year’s camp will not have more than 70 participants enrolled.The camp enrollment fee has also been reduced from P1 500 to P500 because of the short notice given to the interested participants.
The camp will be divided into performing groups which are marimba, setinkane (thumb piano), segaba (1 string violin) African drums, solo singing classical, solo singing pop and instrument band.
Contemporary dance will, however, not be featured this year as the committee could not find a suitable dance teacher.
Registration to the camp will take place on the 4th while the actual events of the camp will start on the 5th until the 11th. Participants will stage a show on the last day of the camp to showcase what they achieved during their stay in the camp. Participants will also get a certificate of participation as a reward to them for meeting the camp’s requirements.
Anyone with a talent that suits the performing groups and is not under the age of 16 qualifies for the music camp.