IN COMES MREPA WA ELOYI

He has an odd name for a rap artist.

First Eloyi Church is not known for producing rap artists as it is more of a conservative set up. However the 29 year old Oabona Kenosi from Bobonong might have found a winning formula by coining such a name; let us be honest it’s not like Eloyi has no following in this country.

Last weekend Mrepa wa Eloyi was invited to perform at ‘Di a pompa’ music festival in Rustenburg where he performed alongside Zahara. The young rapper was invited by a new Radio Station Village FM after its Djs heard him during his album launch at Nature Paradise Club.

He told Big Weekend that the duo of Dj Plan and Dj Moss took a copy of his CD and played it on the new radio station.
“They said people kept requesting more of my songs hence the invitation to perform at the station’s launch,” he said.

ZOOM GETS BIGGER

It is one of the most frequented night spots in Gaborone Central right now.

With Lizard Lounge still unconscious Zoom Night Club has become the only viable joint for Gabz Central’s night crawlers.  Owned by club magnate Steve Rahman, Zoom is one of the oldest clubs, which has also changed names many times. Now the vibey joint has just added ‘Talking Heads Bar’ an extension of the Club at Maruapula Shopping Complex. The new development is expected to bring a unique never experienced Afro-centric beauty in a chilled and relaxed mood.

Entertainment will vary from karaoke, one man band to jazz and blues on Sundays.
“It is for the chilled type, middle age and elderly persons who enjoy a sense of privacy and non congestion,” said Entertainment Manager Kopano Modubule.

 FNB AND ALL THAT’S JAZZ

Finally! Someone with the power to open the purse must have tripped on a saxophone and landed on a piano.

First National Bank has announced that they will exclusively sponsor an international jazz concert billed for GICC on 5th and 6th July 2012.

The “FNB All That’s Jazz will feature renowned jazz recording artists; David Sanborn, Joe Sample from the USA and local fire brand Shanti Lo.
Sample has toured and performed with many well known musicians from Marvin Gaye to Tina Turner, BB King, Eric Clapton, Joe Cocker, Randy Crawford, Anita Baker, Andréa Crouche and many more.
Sanborn’s unique style of jazz, Rn’B and pop has seen him collaborate with the likes of David Bowie, Kenny Loggins, Bruce Springsteen, Kenny G, Roger Waters and Carly Simon to name only a few.

With 27 albums to his credit his broad appeal transcends most categories and genres. .

Shanti-Lo is one of the most sought after performer and session musicians in Botswana, with collaborative works ranging from house and afro-pop to jazz. Shanti-Lo has also participated in a number of international events.

WHAT WASTED TALENT

The last time I heard these guys song play on radio was when Donald Botshelo was still alive.

They used to work with him you know. Though blind “Bathoka Pono” as they are commonly known are talented ‘pantsulas’ gifted with rare voices and an intimidating stage presence; perhaps due to their trademark dark glasses. It is no secret that the passing of Don B has hit the group hard. I saw these guys in Old Naledi last Saturday and it broke my heart to see such talented people play their music for free, in a shebeen.

  COUNTING DOWN THE DEEDS

Chasing their commitment of doing 10 good deeds to celebrate their 10 year existence, Zen Promotions will host a charity soccer tournament on 30th June 2012 at BOBS grounds.

The charity cup proceeds will be donated to BENO an organization which deals with the welfare of orphans, the disabled and the elderly in Molepolole. Stalls will be renting for P500 for those who want to sell  their products during the soccer tourney.

The event management company which received P20 000 from Mahindra and Jinabhai & Associates for outstanding service to the arts world recently embarked on building a house for legendary guitarist Taka Baponi (Stampore).