GIMC festival hits and misses set tongues waggin
TThe Gaborone International Music and Culture (GIMC) that took place on Saturday attracted multitudes of music and fun lovers from across Botswana and beyond the borders. The show featured acts such as Mafikizolo, Cassper Nyovest, Riky Rick, Vee, MMP Family and ATI among others. The stage set-up and sound were on point and the performances out of this world, but the poor security was the blob in an otherwise great show. The well-lubricated revellers were excited to see the performances but little did they know that there would be an anti-climax. By 2am, the hooligan “masses” had pushed down the barricade fence that separated the general area from the VIP but most of them seemingly wanted to have fun as they sang along and danced their hearts out.
he performances at the much-hyped GIMC festival held at the National Stadium on Saturday were superb. The stage set-up and sound were impressive and the organisers did their best to stick to the schedule. The MCs for the evening, Loungo – dressed in a pink suit and white sneakers, and Gabs Diva, did a sterling job. The show featured Mafikizolo, Okmalukoolkat, Cassper Nyovest, Riky Rik Prince Kaybee, Viezo View, Team Distant, ATI and MMP Family, among others. The show started with sets by DJs such as Mcluvn, Amselt, King, Robbie Rob N Brando and Bhibho among others.
By 9pm, the show was heating up with Team Distant getting the crowd go crazy. When ATI took to the stage at around 10pm, the crowd roared wildly. The upbeat artist was a last minute addition after a few people campaigned that he be added to the line-up and it was clear that he would not disappoint. He made a shout out saying: “Shout out to GIMC and my fans for all the love. It is not about me, it is not about you but it is about the people!” He took to the stage dressed in black pants, sneakers and an open shirt, rounded with his trademark black tear.
He started with old songs, accompanied by hip-hop dancers who set the stage alight with their moves. ATI then invited Sasa Klaas on stage for a duet. The sexy rapper, who always sets men’s temperatures soaring, took to the stage dressed in a stylish black dress that showed off bits of her boobs, and had slits on the sides that showed off her buttocks, which jiggled to the crowd’s delight as she sashayed across the stage.
The two ended their act with a hug before she left the stage. ATI then continued and churned hits such as Poelo morago. He ended his performance with the popular Khiring Khorong, a song that has got a lot of people going crazy. When Mafikizolo took to the stage, the whole stadium went wild. The group has been in the music industry for two decades but they still have what it takes to get an audience eating from the palm of their hands. Their choreography was fantastic. Theo was in his usual element and gave fans what they have learnt to expect from him.
The back-up dancers were on another level. Dressed in white outfits, they jumped, wiggled and gyrated madly. One back-up dancer, pretty, petite lass sporting faux dreadlocks, was a hit with the crowd because of her energetic dance moves and engagement with the crowd. The lead singer, Nhlanhla Nciza, was her usual stylish self and wore an Aladdin pants and figure-forming top in African print complete with a gold clinch belt and chunky heels. Her outfit was complemented her well coffered big hair and make-up.
The stunning songstress has proved that not even marriage and motherhood can slow her down as she continues to slay like a young queen. The group performed hits such as O letse kae and Ndihambanawe. Their pianist, who sang ballads like All of Me by John Legend, much to the crowd’s delight, ended their set. By the time Cassper Nyovest went on stage, everyone went wild.
He performed hits and the song Tito Mboweni got his fans jumping up and down as they sang along. He paved the way for Sidlukotini hitmaker, Riky Rik, who is always dope on stage. Okmakulmkoolkat was too sick with his unique music– a deep mix of kwaito and hip-hop. He proved that his hit Amantobazane is nothing as he dished out track like Amalobolo and GQI. Prince Kaybee had fans of commercial house eating from the palm of his hands. His song choice and mix were superb, and at some point he took us back to the 2000s when he Tupondo and Sister Bettina. Vee and MMP Family also gave their all and made way for other acts such as DJ Master, Mozaik and Proturliban Gang.