IT’S NOT HISTORY, BUT STILL HISTORICAL

Botswana and Its National Heritage by Sandy Grant is an interesting read.

It is one of those rare books you can’t put down once you have started reading it.

The author has made it clear that his is not a history book, which is just great because history books are usually long and tedious.

Grant manages to engage the reader in some of the most talked about topics that have come to characterize modern Botswana, but in a more easy to read format.

The famous story of the flogging of Phinehas McIntosh by Tshekedi Khama has come up again, and no matter how many times I have read about, it is always intriguing like the first time.

At just the age of 24 the young Bangwato royal took on the British Administration head on.

The young Khama’s demeanor at times was shocking, he spoke his mind much to the dislike of one Colonel Charles Rey, the Resident Commissioner.

The book also touches on the humble beginnings of the Capital city Gaborone, the ferry at Kazungula and the marriage of Seretse and Ruth.

The latter has been widely covered, but still Grant has found a way to make it relevant.

For 118 pages, this book offers a lot, the striking pictures of Amos Pilane (1888-1984) and Kgosi Lincwhe (1935-2007) on the first page are just precious, and there are many more such pictures. A great read.

FRESHLY GROUND RETURNS

Freshlyground and Kearoma Rantao will set Botswanacraft ablaze on Friday 5 April in another episode of the Mascom Live Sessions.

Currently doing a US Tour the South Africa seven member group will return to launch their new CD”Take me to the dance” at a Mascom Live Session at Botswanacraft.

They are creating a storm in the United States of America touring some of the biggest venues like the Apollo Theatre in Harlem New York.

Since their debut album JikaJika, in 2003, Freshlyground have won an MTV Europe Award and eight South African Music Awards.

Well this I have got to see, perhaps this is Rantao’s biggest break and one I know she will take with both hands.

There is no doubt that the meber of the Women of Jazz ensemble is talented and Friday 5 might just be the night she introduces herself to the rest of the world.

Her soulfull album “When the music plays” is one of the best in the country.

The combination of Kearoma & Freshlyground is likely to create a great musical experience and journey for those who can make it to Botswanacraft on Friday 5th April.  Tickets will be available soon.

NATIONAL BRAAI FESTIVAL

The 23^rd of March on Saturday will see the first ever National Braai Festival (NBF) to be staged at National Botanical Gardens in Village, opposite Gaborone Club.

The National Braai Festival (NBF) is a fun day and braai competition annual event.

Attendants will enjoy meat and drinks while listening to host of local Dee jays and these include Grove Cartell, Groovy Souls ,Dj Bax, Native K, and sizzling Ricky Lamar.

Local celebrities will also have a chance to compete in the chicken ,beef , marinade, chefs choice and boroso category.

The Rib Cracker himself will be the guest judge and master of ceremony.

There will be competitions for celebrities, media practitioners and members of the public to find out who can make the best braai.

Competition and giveaways (prizes include weekend for two in a local resort, cell phones, branded merchandise and vouchers).

There will be jumping castle and comedy for kids. Sponsors include Yarona FM and Distell Botswana.

NTSA REACHES FOR NEW HEIGHTS

Ofilwe Kegakilwe akas “Ntsa” is known for his singles “Morwa Kegakilwe” and ‘Fa le phirima” which were to be included in his debut album Tswana breed in 2007.

The singles received a lot of airplay, introducing the young Motswakolista to the masses.

Since then ‘Ntsa’ has been working on his second album and has had 2 singles dropped. (single) “Ntsa”and Bazokhala” in 2010 and “Remoteng” in 2011.

In 2012 Ntsa got into talks with Tuks Senganga of June/July records, who invited him to Mafikeng for Show.

The interaction with Senganga has revitalized the local artist and has revealed that he will be working on a compilation CD for the June/July records.