13 Apr 2025

 It has been 10 years since Sereetsi & The Natives, a contemporary musical band that blends traditional Setswana rhythms with Western melodies, made its mark in the music scene.

Led by former journalist, Tomeletso Sereetsi, the band celebrated their 10-year industry achievement with a symphony orchestra experience in concert style, Friday at Maitisong theatre.

The attainment comes with four albums and to celebrate the milestone, the band invited some musical talent from home and across the borders whom they have worked with, to join in the celebration.

The sold out concert started off with some popular folk tunes before the orchestra made it to the stage, starting with an arrangement of a mellow performance of Maitsetsepelo from the first album, Four String Confessions of 2015 and also Tshumu from the band’s latest offering Mmabatho as well as Ke Boletsa Mongwe, one of the favourites from the 2015 album.

Petere from Mmabatho album of 2022, by saxophonist Sebaga brought in a change of pace to the concert. Her first interaction with Sereetsi and the Natives was in 2016 and has often featured as a guest during the band’s gigs and appearances.

The symphony experience, which was a historical attempt by the band, was a delightfully varied programme with works of varied four guitars, drums, piano, cello, trumpet, viola.

However, the common occurrences of the band’s guitar quartet and drums did not give the orchestra ensemble a moment to shine. It went without saying that the musicianship in this symphony experience was showed off in the many facets of the guitarists’ capabilities and exceptional drummers.

Nevertheless, the audience enjoyed the four-hour show and sang along to their favourite Sereetsi and the Natives signature tunes.

The orchestration of Robete, an all-time hit classic from the maiden Four Strings Confessions album was seamlessly done to the audience’s satisfaction, who enjoyed the symphonic version of the traditionally blended masterpiece that introduced the band to the music space a decade ago. Ends