12 Nov 2023

After three years of absence Botswana Defence Force (BDF) band landed in Serowe on Friday, to a ‘thirsty’ audience who were dying for quality entertainment.

Revellers started arriving at Lady Khama Community Hall as early as 5pm for a show that was billed for 630pm, proof that they could not wait to let their hair loose and have some fun.

One of the attendees, Masego Molefe, a Serowe resident, said she had never missed any BDF concert in Serowe save for the three years that it was halted owing to COVID-19.

Molefe said such concerts catered for seniors like her because the band played old songs they could relate to instead of the now famous youngsters’ Amapiano.

What attracts her to the show is the relaxed atmosphere and knowing that security is guaranteed.

“Today, I am expecting to see new faces and new performances since the band has been out of the picture for a while,” said Molefe.Oduetse Tshwene estimated the times he has attended BDF band concert to be more than 15 years.

He said he started attending the concert when he was still a youngster in Gaborone and even went as far as Letlhakane for the show because of what it stood for while another reveller, Gasemodimo Monnawapula was sure to get her money’s worth.

Revellers were treated to a string of electrifying performances that had the audience singing along, featuring local productions as, A re chencheng by Ratsie Setlhako, which dominated the night, Baloi by Jonnie Kobedi, Cheri Kwa by Maxy, Lezibo’s Mosadi o ntshiwa di out.

Traditional troupes performed tsutsube, seperu, phatisi, hosanna and setapa as well as marimba and xylophone, much to the delight of the audience

When all was done, the band handed cheques to Save Our Souls (SOS) and Tsholofelo Rehabilitation Centre.

Serowe SOS programme manager, Philip Morebodi said they had a long standing relationship with BDF band. Molefe said they had a marimba group that the band always featured during their concerts.

“Today, we received a cheque of P10 000 from the band and the money will be directed to our everyday child care,” said Molefe.

Tsholofelo Rehabilitation Centre pocketed P15 000.

The centre coordinator, Lesego Bolaane said it was the second time the band donated to them. ENDS