The Mascom Live Sessions will be kicking off with a killer opening on the 30th of March with a performance by the renowned South African band, African Jazz Pioneers, Lesotho’s Bhudaza and Botswana’s own Socca Moruakgomo at Botswana Craft.
Speaking to The Telegraph, the Managing Director of Botswana Craft, Oliver Groth, said that those who have plans of attending the show should expect good sound and good music as well as a relaxed outdoor venue. He added that, with over 24 very talented musicians, the night will be of a high quality.
Groth said that the opening act for the show will be done by our very own soccer Moruakgomo who will then give the reigns to Bhudaza.
The last and main act will be delivered by the ten-man band with a strong brass section, the African Jazz Pioneers, whose members are not very young but can dish up an amazing energetic performance.
The band members are Levy Kgabalatsane on trumpet, Robert Mdluli on Trombone, Abram Hlabatau, Stuurman Sithole and Sello Manyaka on saxophones, Albert Kumalo on lead guitar, Llyod Gxabeka on drums, Kenneth Mosito on the piano, Ziqubu on bass guitar and the band’s youngest member Khanya Ceza on vocals.
Formed in the early 1950’s, the band is popular for its fusion of jazz with township marabi.
Groth added this is not the first time the band performs in Botswana although he cannot recall the exact year when the African Jazz Pioneers performed in the country.
Commenting on the upcoming performances, Groth said that each show is always unique and he can only hope that every artist and band keep working to develop new material and improve their performances. He said that each artist is given between an hour and two hours to deliver their performance. He said that the show’s programme starts at 8 in the evening although the gates will be open at seven.
Groth said there are 800 tickets available for sale, which will be sold in advance. The tickets go for P250 per person. He said that complimentary tickets will be given to sponsors and the media while some media sponsors will give out tickets to their readers or listeners at their discretion.
