19 Apr 2023

Botswana will join the world in commemorating the International Jazz day on April 30 to recognise the significance of jazz music in promoting peace, diversity and cultural understanding.

Briefing the media on April 18, Botswana Society for Jazz Education (BOSJE) chairperson and musician, Akhutleleng Kekwaletse said this year’s concert to be held at Molapo Piazza, promised to be a spectacular showcase of the very best in jazz music, featuring performances from both local and international artistes.

Concert line-up, she said would feature the likes of Lesotho popular jazz artiste, Bhudaza Mapefane, best known as Bhudaza and local artistes of different genres such as musician and social media influencer Kennedy Thal, songwriter, Mpho Sebina as well as other jazz artistes including WDP, CAFCA, Grow to Black Collective, Jazzman, Jembesoul and Kingdom arts band.

“We are thrilled to be hosting the event. Jazz is a universal language that transcends borders and cultures and we are excited to bring people together through this shared love of music,” Kekwaletse said.

In addition to the concert, she said there would be a range of other activities taking place throughout the day from April 25.

“There will be workshops, master classes, jam sessions and panel discussions and these events are open to the public. They are intended to provide an opportunity for people of all ages and background to experience the joy of jazz music and discussions,” she said.

Also, she said the events were designed to bring together musicians, fans and educators from around the world to share their love for jazz music and further explore its rich cultural heritage.

One of the artistes, Sebina said in an interview that she was excited to share the stage with other performers out of her genre.

“This is a great opportunity and I am looking forward to it more so that I have always been a fan of BOSJE for years,” Sebina said.

BOSJE hosted the first jazz international day when it started in Botswana in 2017 and had celebrated the day every year in April. Last year, the international jazz day was hosted at Maitisong theatre.

International Jazz day was designated by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation in 2011 to recognise the unique ability of jazz music to unite people from different cultures and backgrounds. ENDs