Following their first and very successful All That Jazz show in 2012 First National Bank (FNB) is at it again this year with the second instalment in as many years.
The show is done in partnership with Botswana Craft which has over the years become famous for hosting the best Jazz shows in the country.
Just as they did in 2012 FNB has not compromised on the quality of artists as evidenced by the involvement of American heavyweight, Earl Klugh and Botswana’s very own jazz maestro, Lister Boleseng.
“We want Batswana to have an event they can identify with and be proud of. Something we can call our own,” said Director of Marketing and Communications, Bomolemo Selaledi.
She said with the continuation of the show they hope to turn the FNB All That Jazz into a calendar event that Batswana can look forward to. She said the show also provides an opportunity for local artists to share the stage, rub shoulders with and learn from international artists.
“We are demonstrating our commitment to the development of music, arts and culture in Botswana,” Selaledi said, adding: “Jazz music transcends national and cultural boundaries. It can also provide a stimulus to tourism as has been demonstrated by the many jazz festivals across Africa and around the world.” Botswana Craft Managing Director Oliver Groth shared Selaledi’s observation that such events provide a suitable exposure for local artists, citing Shanti Lo as an example after he shared the stage with the late Joe Sample and David Sanborn in the 2012 event.
“Sample kicked off the show with an electrifying performance on the piano before the multi award winning Sanborn moved the crowd to the dance floor with his spellbinding mastery of the alto saxophone. Shanti Lo was at his best warming up the audience with his alluring sound and emotive vocals,” Selaledi had said.
Speaking of this year’s event Groth said it is the kind of show to attend with a loved one because of the nature of Earl Klugh’s music. “This is not a lalavoka (until sunrise) show,” he quipped.
Lister Boleseng was also present to give his opinion on the event and expressed his excitement at being a part of the show. “It is a big event that will attract people from across the SADC region and as a result it will present big exposure for me,” Boleseng said.
An acoustic guitarist with a pretty tone, Klugh was born in Detroit, Michigan, United States, and has recorded more than 30 albums which include 23 Top Ten charting records.
Five of his albums made number one on the Billboard’s Jazz Album chart.
The show will take place on October 12 at the Gaborone International Convention Centre (GICC).
“It gives us great pride to be the title sponsor of this show. We have partnered with Botswana Craft as the promoters to bring you an amazing musical experience of world class performance right here in Gaborone again,” FNB’s Selaledi said.
Tickets are available at Botswana Craft.
