07 May 2023

The demise of John Ketshabile alias Gong Master is a big loss to the music industry. 

His commitment and contribution to the music industry has been described as immeasurable and worth celebrating.

Speaking at the Gong Master Tribute Concert at Millennium Jazz Restaurant on Saturday, Botswana Musicians Union (BOMU) president, Phemelo Lesokwane, said Ketshabile gave guidance to the organisation and to the upcoming artistes.

 He said the deceased, who hailed from Ranaka, was a member of BOMU disciplinary committee.

Lesokwane decried of lack of support for musicians as evidenced by preference of foreign artistes over Batswana.

“I urge radio stations to play local content so that Batswana can appreciate local artistes.”    

He added that ‘we are trying to raise funds to assist the family with funeral expenses. All those performing here are not paid’.

Lesokwane emphasised that normally the money they were given by the government was used to assist artists with special needs and also for running the organisation.  

“As such I am urging Batswana to support us with everything they have since most of the artists do not have a permanent job,” he added. 

The president said that BOMU would support Gong Master’s son, Tawana Ketshabile (Tawana ya Koma) who was also into traditional music.

For his part, BOMU vice president Papi Rakhudu said the industry’s activities were the first to be halted by COVID-19, something which affected most of them.

 “Some of them got depressed by just finding themselves in debts and we encouraged them not to shy away from talking about their problems,” he said. 

He, however, encouraged muscians to know that they were responsible for their lives.  

The event was organised by BOMU in conjunction with the Ketshabile family to celebrate Gong Master who died on April 27. 

His funeral is scheduled for Digawana on May 13. ENDS