On March 24th, Jazz at the Piazza brought Jazz enthusiasts and music lovers to celebrate and experience the art of music. The concept of the event is aimed at showcasing Jazz djing as well as live musicians who will be engaged in future events.
Soares Katumbela, a music promoter radio presenter at Streethorn Jazz on Duma FM said, “It is our belief that Jazz has the ability to bring people of different generations and background together as seen by the diversity of those who attended the show”.
Katumbela said Jazz is a living art form which is ever changing and ever growing. “It is also expensive and enriching music. Call it what you like, Jazz is here to stay,” stated the joyful music promoter.
On the night, Streethorn Jazz DJ’s; SK and Milton, and special guest appearance by former Kaya FM (South Africa) Jazz presenter, Ike Tladi, soothed the guests with their sets. The artists were chosen on the basis that, apart from being Streethorn resident DJ’s, they effectively sold the idea of Jazz at the Piazza to the public. Each DJ played an hour set rotationally throughout the night.
The venue also had stalls of promotional products and materials of various Molapo Crossing Mall tenants. Streethorn Music Caf├® also had a stall which sold CD’s and DVD’s of various artists. According to Katumbela, it is pleasing that Batswana are warming up to Jazz as shown by its steady growth over the years. “In my observation most of the Botswana Jazz artists are setting their bar too low by undercharging performance fees, which in turn stifles their own growth,” advised Katumbela.
Katumbela advised other DJ’s with a desire to play Jazz to familiarise themselves with the different kinds of Jazz. Some of the guests who graced the event included celebrity fashion guru Mpho Kuaho.
The concept of having Jazz events is an ongoing concept created by Streethorn Music Caf├® since the late 70’s to entertain a mature audience.
