28 Aug 2024

 This year’s Gaborone International Music Concert (GIMC) festivities are special as the brand is celebrating 10 years of excellence in the entertainment space. 

Established in 2014, GIMC, which had over the years attracted many people, had forged cultural exchanges with performing artistes from countries from within the SADC region and as far as Nigeria, Ghana, Uganda and even the United States. 

This year is no different as the week-long festivities, which start on Friday until September 7 at various venues around Gaborone, is action packed with entertainment from local and inetrenational performers.

Hosted by T.H.A.B.O, MC Theo and BJB, GIMC patrons can look forward to performances by Ban-T and Veezo View, Han C, Nnunu Ramogotsi, Emtee, Dr Vom, Mawee, Boldwin Bals, Mdala Ka Tje, Triccs, Brian Sibanda, Maatla Gospel Choir, Mashabela Galane, Amadodana A Se Wesile, Solly Moholo, Zonke, Ringo, Encore, Sun El Musician and Simmy with DJs such as DJ Maphorisa, FME DJs, Lezozo, DJ La Timmy, DJ Ngwazi, Hurricane, Kabza De Small, Kele, DJ Lefatshe, McJohn Mosenene, DJ Rudo, among others. 

The GIMC programme will start with aerobathon and fun run fitness activity tomorrow where trainers such as Chyna Mokaila, Mo and Giddie Kay, Charity, Mandisa and Yoga with Nana will indulge the fitness fanatics in the evening at The Fields Mall. 

The jazz show will follow at Bojanala Waterfront on Saturday and a flowery spring themed Champagne Picnic at Wagga Gardenex on Sunday, where Batswana will be treated to a meticulous dinner curated by Motswana international celebrity chef, Joseph Seeletso. 

GIMC Comedy will soothe patrons with some laughter at the Maitisong Theatre on September 5, while Clap ‘n Tap festival will be held at the Molapo Piazza on September 6. 

The week-long activities will be wrapped up by a music festival at the Royal Aria Stadium on September 7. 

GIMC founder, Fish Pabalinga said 

this year marked a significant milestone for GIMC.

“GIMC has achieved its vision of being the premier event in Botswana that works closely with the community and helps grow SMMEs businesses within the value chain that has become big in value,” Pabalinga said. 

The entity has also created artistic collaborations between local and international artistes. This has broadened the festival’s international reach, while at the same time raising awareness about the rich diverse cultural expressions and the showbiz space in Botswana. 

GIMC has over the years come of age and grown since its establishment, resonating well with its hashtag, #pitsoyabotlhokwa, becoming the meeting point for all in the creative industry and its fans in just one week. 

And it has achieved its vision with objectives including creating a platform for Botswana brands to reach out locally and internationally, attract tourists to Gaborone, creating a platform for local artists and culture to forge partnerships with international peers and importantly to boost the local economy, thus creating of employment particularly for the youth. 

The entity has also donated to various organisations, uplifting members of the communities from the proceeds of the event. 

The 10 years commemoration was marked by a donation of tablets to various public libraries across the country for use by the library users. 

Pabalinga said the donation was their way of also ensuring that Botswana became a knowledge-based economy as envisioned by His Excellency President Dr Mokgweetsi Eric Keabetswe Masisi. ENDS