Organisers ready to host GIMC

It is all systems go to the 2017 edition of the Gaborone International Music & Culture week (GIMC). 

The event that returns for a fourth instalment is slated to take place this August, and the estimated budget for this event is P3.2 million.Organisers of the event are optimistic that if the event was to take place this weekend, they are ready to host what promises to be the best event that they have ever showcased since the annual event started. 

The line-up they say reflects that they have conceptualised a memorable event that might go down in the local history books. (GIMC) has everything for everyone. And with events such as comedy, drama, poetry, music festival as well as jazz, revellers are always spoilt for choice. 

On Friday, organisers released the final list of the 50 acts that will set the city ablaze. A new addition this year is a Champagne event that is scheduled to take place at the Wagga Gardens where fashion will meet champagne. 

The event will take place under the theme, French Riviera on August 27th. On August 30th chorale lovers are in for a treat when choirs such as Mowana Singers, Gaborone Philharmonic Voices as well as Corpus Christi serenade chorale lovers at the Baisago Auditorium. 

One of the highlights of the event is the return of the talented Tefo Paya who headlines the Theatre night scheduled for August 29th at Maitisong Theatre. 

An extraordinary performer and one of those rare gems when it comes to captivating the audience with his talent and stage presence, Paya will once again give theatre lovers value for their money. Also taking to the stage during the theatre night is Presley Cheneyagae, the South African actor best known for his enchanting role in the award winning movie, Tsotsi. The masters of contemporary dance, Mophato Dance Theatre will also showcase their skills on the stage. Other highlights include Poetry on August 30th at the Botswana Craft featuring internationally acclaimed TJ Dema, as well as Angie Chuma, Poetess Phopho, Barolong Seboni, and Morwa Motsamai. On

On Friday, September 1st, comedy lovers can look for a night of comedy headlined by South Africa’s Tips Shampoo, Mr Ibu (the popular face behind some of Nollywood movies) and more. 

The internationally acclaimed jazz artist, Kirk Whalum headlines the jazz night. Also taking to the stage and making a return to the local stages for a second time in a row is award winning Jonathan Butler. 

The jazz night takes place on August 26th at the Stanbic Bank Piazza. Tickets for this night go for P500 and P750. A night to remember for many jazz lovers, this will be the first time that two giants of this magnitude are sharing the stage right here on local soil. Whalum, an American smooth jazz saxophonist and songwriter, and South African born Butler have toured in some of the most happening stages across the world, and it will be interesting to see the magic that they will bring to Gaborone.  Bringing some local touch to the event, revellers can look forward to performances by artists such as Trinity Mpho who is setting international stage on fire with his music, Amantle Brown, Elemotho (Namibia), Lorraine Lionheart, Phillip Mate, Jazz Man and Sino’s Delux. 

The music festival slated for the National Stadium on September 2nd, promises value for money to those who wish to dance the night away. 

Bringing some of the hottest acts in the continent to the country, the event has highlights such as Cassper Nyovest, Mafikizolo, Riky Rick who is back by popular demand having headlined the 2016 event, Prince Kaybee, Okmalumkoolkat, Vee, Team Distant, MMP Family, Veezo View, SBI Techn, DJ Izzy, Skinflint, Fast lane Fam, Rhym Wa Lehipi, Robbie Rob and Brando, Hapex Guru, Dj Amstel, Stany Stan, DJ Bhibho, Dj King, DJ Teaz, Master P and Mozaik (both from Swaziland) as well as Pro Turliban Gan. Tickets for this event vary from P150, P250 and P2500 (VVIP). 

According to event organiser, Fish Pabalinga, the final line-up truly illustrates that organisers took careful consideration of what their audience wish to see, as well trending artists at present. Highlighting some of the acts that audiences can look forward, he explains that they have everything for everyone ranging from Mophato Dance Theatre who are presently doing very well at the moment, an opera group that will join the chorale night, comedy featuring Tips Shampoo, Nyovest, Mr Ibu, as well as Whalum and Butler. 

“This is the best line-up that we have put together since we started the event,” he says. He also says that at the moment preparations are going very well and that everything was on track. “Even if we were to stage the event tomorrow, we are ready,” he says, adding that they were giving revellers with seven full of fun and entertainment. 

He also notes that the event continues to provide people with a platform where artists come from all over the continent, and that this was something that local artists can tap into when it comes to growing their brands. 

“It provides them with a chance for collaborations and an opportunity to work with artists from all over as well as a chance to create strong relationships,” he says. He further says as in previous years, they continue to face the challenge of getting corporate companies to support them. “By extension, they will be supporting local businesses. And it would go a long way if they came on board and we can only grow through their support,” he says. He remains optimistic that they will start reaping the fruits of their labour next year when they turn five years.