After what has been a hectic year filled with an aura of uncertainty and apprehension leading up to the general elections, we all deserve a break. We all have a perfect excuse (not that we need it) to laugh like there’s no tomorrow and dance like nobody is watching. And just when our lungs can’t take it any longer and our legs cannot stand anymore we can retire to our holiday destination of choice, wind down and enjoy ourselves the best way we know how. Pure, guilt free decadence is what we all deserve this year. If you are looking for that long awaited laughter then the weekend of Friday, Saturday November 28 and 29, is meant for you.
To kick off the festive comedy will be Ugandan female comedy sensation Anne Kansiime. She is a talented award winning comedian and one of Uganda’s most celebrated actors. She is scheduled to perform at the new Molapo Piazza on Thursday night and wrap up her visit on Saturday, November 29th with another show at Thapong Visual Arts Centre. But you may be advised to attend Kansiime’s Friday event if you are to avoid having a dilemma come Saturday night. Popular South African stand-up comedian Trevor Noah is also expected to take up the stage this Saturday at Molapo Crossing.
Undoubtedly one of the best African stand-up comedians to ever grace the stage, Noah is no stranger to Gaborone. He left the audience in stitches when he was in the city the last time and we can expect nothing less.
He made a major international breakthrough when he toured the US and made an appearance on The Tonight Show last year, 2013. The show, then hosted by the legendary Jay Leno is one of America’s most watched television programmes. Most recently he also made an appearance on another US’ most watched shows, Late Show with David Letterman.
Meanwhile, also on the 29th at the National Stadium there will be the Splash music festival ‘Amadamra’ featuring various artists including the legendary South African, Ray Phiri. Splash music has over the years proven very popular with the township folk.
The following weekend, December 5th, one can look forward to dancing the night out with Beatenberg. Botswana Craft will be at it again with what promises to be an electric performance by the South African pop band.
The band, made up of the trio of Matthew Field, Ross Dorkin, and Robin Brink was formed in 2008 but it wasn’t until the beginning of 2014 when they broke into new territory that they became famous.
Thanks to their collaboration with renowned house music producer, DJ Clock the group released ‘Pluto (Remember You)’ which became an instant hit with house/dance music lovers across the region. Beatenberg is otherwise known for their style of pop that seems to tap onto jazz, clasical and electronic music.
They will be sharing the stage with MMP Family, local group also made up of three members, Mzico, M.o.D and Ples J. Their latest offering, Lebala Kanna, has been occupying the number one spot on Yarona FM’s Official 40 Countdown for the past two weeks.
They say if you can’t go to the beach, make the beach come to you and Saturday December 6 will see the return of the controversial Beach Party. The last time it took place there were allegations of sexual harassment but one hopes this time around it will be all about clean, uninterrupted fun. Also to look forward to in December is the annual Homecoming Festival in Mahalapye which features the legendary home boy, Dj Fresh among others. The calendar event takes place every Christmas Eve. For those looking for a lot of fun filled adventure surrounded by nothing but the best flora and fauna nature has to offer, there is the annual My Maun Experience which Kicks off with a road trip from Gaborone to Maun on December 26th. Whatever rocks your boat, 2014’s promises to be one helluva festive season.
