The current tour to Botswana by the Swedish Quartet (SQ) comprising Anna Christofferson, Johahan Hansen Larson, Jonatan Allguin and Pablo Donaldo marks the end of the Botswana/Sweden Jazz Exchange Progamme (JEP), says Shanti Lo’s manager, Soares Katumbela.
Katumbela said the ├á la carte jazz SQ who arrived in Gaborone on Friday January 25 by air from their native Sweden, has performed in Botswana on numerous occasions after JEP’s birth in 2011.
“In addition to my patronage, veteran guitarist John Selolwane and Afro Jazz artist, Loeto ‘Shanti-Lo’ Tumediso came on board,” says Katumbela about the inception of the Botswana/Sweden JEP.
“We went to Sweden in 2011 and 2012 as part of the exchange programme, while our Swedish counterparts led by vocal star Anna Christofferson reciprocated with their tour of Botswana during the same period.
“Despite the sweet memories as a result of facilitated international tours, we are closing the project with the visit of our Swedish counterparts.”
The project opened socio-economic and cultural pathways for local musicians battling to break a niche in the claustrophobic setup. For example, during Shanti-Lo’s tour where he performed at the Stockholm Private Musical Festival in Sweden in 2012, he was offered a scholarship to undergo a musical course in order to further his musical career.
While in Sweden, Shanti Lo attracted the attention of promoters in Ireland who gave him an opportunity for a live performance in Dublin, the capital city. The JEP exposure also enabled him to perform at the renowned Johannesburg Joy of Jazz bash in 2011.
Katumbela who has more than 30 years in the musical field said: “We have improved our musical careers through JEP including all who have performed under its auspices. This performance by the Swedes coincides with the ad hoc launch of our afternoon Jazz Session hosted by the Grand Palm Hotel every Sunday afternoon. I had to take time off from my radio jazz promotion assignment to witness the launch of the milestone event.
“Sponsorship forthcoming, we can conduct the session on a regular basis. The session is also one way of creating employment for young Batswana who can provide support services or work on the periphery.”
The Quartet entertained revelers during an open air sundowner jazz performance on Sunday January 27 at the Grand Palm Hotel. The bash not only showcased what they could offer to international audiences, but also provided an opportunity for warming up having dropped from the sky from a country in the grip of a cold winter with sub-zero temperatures.
If all goes according to arrangements, their itinerary will culminate in the Mascom Live Session to be held at the Botswana Craft on February 1.
Anna Christofferson said SQ commended the warm welcome and hospitality by the Grand Palm Hotel.
Botswana happens to be one of the countries inadvertently situated in one of the world’s hot climatic regions, while ironically, at this time of year, Sweden is experiencing extreme winter temperatures of -15?Celsius.
She said they had a busy schedule in Gaborone during the coming week prior to the February 1 Mascom Live Session. “We are going to host workshops for musicians. One of my big passions is working as a vocal coach with lessons and seminars, especially on interpretation, improvisation and songwriting.
It’s all about communication, expression and inspiration and it’s possible to put together all kinds of workshops or lectures for children and adults, depending on the occasion.”
She said the Quartet will leave Gaborone on February 2, stage a jazz performance in Johannesburg, before flying off to Sweden.
