20 May 2019

Obakeng Live Band from Gaborone together with The Super Tones from Ramotswa have made it to the President’s Day Competitions which will be held July in Gaborone.  

The two groups booked their slot after emerging victorious from the south region contemporary music competition which was held at Lobatse Town Park on May 18.

Obakeng Live Band scooped position one in the live band category to go through after a tough contest, while The Super Tones advanced after coming first in the best newcomer live band category.

They were joined in the finals by Ernest Mokwena from Gaborone who scooped the first position in backtrack category. 

The competition, which was staged to select finalists for the annual President’s Day Competition, brought together many music groups and individual artists from places like Lobatse, Gaborone, Mochudi, Ramotswa, Molepolole, Jwaneng and Mabutsane.

The groups and individual artists did not disappoint as most of them displayed brilliant performances on stage.

The Super Tones in particular impressed with a rousing performance of the song Selo se Lorato which drew huge applause from the audience.

Even though only two groups and one solo artist made it to the finals, several artists and groups showed that they have what it takes to make it in the music industry.

Such groups included Kgarebe Ya Setso, Sobhuza BW from Jwaneng and Diphala Tsa Koma also from Jwaneng, which thrilled the crowd with some breath-taking performances.

Another group, Native Poet, also gave a stirring performance with 'malebeswa muthu wangu' which drew massive applause from the audience.

Mathiba Di Fala band, who were fighting for a slot in the best newcomer live band category, gave a thrilling performance of their song Botswana Lefatshe la Botaki le Bodiragatsi'.

Artists such as Patrick 'PC' Jonas aka 'Kasi-La-Ma-Kasi' from Gaborone, and Kaone Malele aka ‘Lazy Crazy’ from the Lobatse, who rapped in the vernacular, gave a good account of themselves as well.

Giving a word of encouragement, renowned local musician Taolo Moshaga, told the artists to continuously hone their singing skills and use platforms like the President’s Day Competitions to showcase their full potential and also brand themselves.

He also said the government had done a lot to ensure that the music and arts sector got developed.  

The President’s Day Competitions have been staged annually by the Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Sport and Culture Development since 2008 to help develop the music and arts industry in Botswana. ENDS