10 Dec 2024

 Music revellers’ plea for the Annual Botswana Defence Force in Concert Style show to be held in Hukuntsi has finally been heard as the band performed over the weekend for the first time.

Dubbed "31 Presentation of BDF in Concert Style 2024," the ensemble showcased an incredibly impressive variety of musical influences which was a marvel to watch.

An aspect that stood out from the band seemed to be the demonstration of high level of composure, a testament to the integrity that they have upheld as they evolved over the years.

In his welcome remarks, Hukuntsi Kgosi, Merapelo Tshweneyagae underscored the need to support the band by attending the show, as the proceeds are aimed at assisting charitable organisation.

“I wish to encourage Batswana to attend this concert in large numbers in order to enable this organisation to realise its ambitions of according corporate social responsibility,” he said.

He commended BDF for its noble initiative of caring for the needy instead of only focusing on the core mandate of defending the county and ensuring national security and sovereignty.

“We are thankful that since 1991 our BDF has proved over the years that it is indeed a people-centric defence force, which is interested in working with the community,” he said.

Tshweneyagae expressed joy that finally, the band had brought its act to Hukuntsi instead of  Kang as it used to be.

Botswana Defence Force in Concert Style Band’s Chairperson, Colonel Ndibo Selaelo indicated that the initiative began in 1991 adding that their initiative is in line with vision 2036 of achieving prosperity for all.

“We are guided by pillar 2, which relates to human and social development. We want to ensure that our community becomes self-reliant through our compassion as we empower them through assisting charitable organisations,” he said.

Selaelo said that so far they have assisted different organisations in Palapye (P30, 000), Selebi Phikwe (P30, 000), Francistion (P60, 000), Ghanzi (P20, 000) and Orapa (P25, 000).

He said in Hukuntsi they have assisted He-Chelago Group to the tune of P25 000 to help it fulfill its mandate of assisting the community with health services.

He-Chelago Group’s Vice Chairperson, Gakelebale Moruise thanked the BDF in Concert Style Band for the noble gesture, adding that the funds will go a long way in addressing their challenges.

She indicated that their group mostly work in partnership with the health sector to care for the sick, mostly those who are bed ridden.

The performance was elevated to a whole new level with best lighting, as the ensemble was all in a perfect line-up with incredible talent displayed.

The night was closed with a medley of cover songs, including Mpalea by Lira, Feelings by Zonke, Mama Africa by Peter Tosh, Sekukuni by Double up, I cant stop loving you by Phil Collins, Ntu ntu se thubege by Khoi san, Nako Tsele by Casswell Ft Lioness, Maloba by Han-C, Night Shift by The Commodores, Sawa Sawa by Flavour, True Love by Llanga, Adia by Oliva Ngoma, Hey Jude by Paul McCarteney providing a taste for all, the young and old. ENDS