The Mascom Live Session kicked off with a fully rich line up at Botswana Craft on Friday evening.
The awesome cool breeze also created a fitting atmosphere for proper jazzy entertainment.
Jazz enthusiasts were served their money’s worth with entertainment from Lesotho’s Budhaza, well known South African band ‘African Jazz Pioneers’ , as well as local jazz maestro, Socca Moruakgomo.
The show, which was attended by local ‘senior citizens’, had a huge turnout.
Budhaza, a regular at many of Botswana’s jazz events, electrified the crowd with his classics, Ga o None Ke eng, Maphefane, and Mokete yoo Senang nama.
The revellers’ darling act was none other than the African Jazz Pioneers who wowed the crowd with the all-time favourite, ‘Ke tswa ko Ranfotein’. The crowd went crazy as the band performed the song, even those who were seated stood up, danced and sang along. The lead singer had the crowd in stitches with his unique dance moves and definitely did not disappoint with the vocals.
The younger member of the band had the crowd singing along with him as he performed, danced and just adapted a free flow to the songs. Many of those that attended gathered around the stage to have a closer view of the jazz group that has shared a stage with the likes of Quincy Jones, Salif Keita, Hugh Masekela, Miriam Makeba, Caiphus Semenya, Letta Mbulu, Jonas Gwangwa and Dolly Rathebe, just to name a few.
Socca Moruakgomo also came out strong and gave Batswana local jazz, though not many people were lively during his performance. His performance was slow and didn’t live up to his usual control of the crowd.
All in all, the birth of Mascom Live Sessions was a success. Getting in at the entrance was hassle-free as it was well organised. Inside, buying a drink or food was also quick and the service was beyond perfect. Security at the event was also tight with security officers roaming around to see that all was in place.
