SANDANDA DVD OUT

Shumaba Ratshega; real name Moses Malapela has released his long awaited Sandanda DVD from his latest album.

The 10 DVD is definite must have for traditional music lovers and Ratshega’s many fans. The Bobonong entertainer who recently became a committed Christian is a unique entertainer who has managed to infuse Sebirwa culture into other traditional genres to come up with a signature sound that he has become synonymous for.

There is a short drama for the song Lorato which will strike a chord with many whose poverty has become a stumbling block to them getting the love of their lives. Utwang is another short drama that will have think twice about traditional doctors. It is a wonderful production.

CATHOLIC ANNUAL FEST

The Gaborone Diocese Annual Diocesan Catholic Church Choirs Music Festival takes place this Saturday 18th August at St Joseph’s College, Kgale.

This festival, which is the most popular among Catholics and music lovers in general in Botswana, will attract choirs from different parishes in the Gaborone Diocese competing in different categories.

This year, we will see choirs participating in small ensembles namely Alto solo, Bass solo, Male and Female sections. The major sections will be Section C, Youth, Standard and Large sections where each choir will render 3 pieces – a Hymn, a Western piece and a vernacular piece. All western pieces are taken from the popular Oratorio, Messiah, by George Frederich Handel.

The most interesting of the competition will be the rendition of Prof. Mzilikazi Khumalo’s Izibongo zikaShaka by the Standard Section Choirs, which also came on time when the music fraternity is celebrating Khumalo’s 80th birthday this year.
The festival will start with the Holy Mass, celebrated by His Lordship Valentine Seane, Bishop of Gaborone and choir renditions to start at 09h00. Tickets will be available at the entrance at P40 for adults and P10 for kids.

LAFF-A-LOT COMEDY SHOW

Yet another exciting standup comedy tour to rock Botswana with laughter is on the cards.

The 2nd Annual Laff-A-Lot Comedy Tour will also act as the Official Launch for the 1st ever standup comedy DVD shot in Botswana. The tour which will act as the Official Launch for the 1st ever standup comedy DVD shot in Botswana, will kickstart in Selibe Phikwe on Friday 24th August followed by Serowe on Saturday 25th August.

The tour will then move to Jwaneng on Friday 31st August after which the laughter crew will invade Mochudi on Saturday 1st September. On Friday 7th September the comedians will move to Orapa after which they will perform a grand finale show in Gaborone on Saturday 8th September.

The headliners for the show are Modiri ‘MOD’ Keseabetswe, Goodwill ‘Goodie, Sendimba ‘Stokie’ Shigah, Bafana ‘Ribcracker’ Letsatsi, Odirile Brooks, Amantle the 1st Lady, Shima D. Nnanaakoko, Oefile Mokgware and Moshi.

QUINCY BRINGS DISCO BACK

His album is boldly titled ‘Mosimane wa Manxotae and that should tell you this guy is comfortable in his skin.

The shoddy CD sleeve lets him down though. That aside from the very song ‘Thompho e kae’ one is thrown into nostalgia, memories of the late Don B, Splash and many other disco outfits comes back. ‘Abantwana ba manje is another laid back disco tune, and Morwadia Kgosi shows Quincy’s lyrical content. It is an easy album to dismiss looking at the sleeve but very entertaining. Ten hot disco hits and 7 out of 10 marks for the effort.

DEEZONE INVADE BTV

If you are tired of boring low quality movies from West Africa and some Blackberry shot local movies; relax.

Dee-Zone Productions a 100% Botswana owned company in partnership with NACA have come up with a 71 episode documentary called “Ntwakgolo”, an edutainment product aimed at assisting the country in attaining the Zero new infection by 2016.

The documentary is expected to air on the national broadcaster around October this year. Having watched the trailer last Tuesday I have to say the quality is out of this world. The 24 minutes fortnight episodes will run for 30 months (2 and half years).
There is no doubt that in terms of quality Dee-Zone; founded by the 29 year old Thabiso Maretlwaneng is a trendsetter. The sound effects will definitely blow your mind. Yours Truly is anxiously waiting for the first episode on BTV.