Jazz association launched on International Jazz Day

Jazz enthusiasts and fanatics were treated to a strictly jazz affair this past Sunday at the no. 1 Ladies Coffee House at Thapong Visual Arts Centre. The occasion was the celebration of International Jazz Day and the official launch of the Botswana Society of Jazz Education (BOSJE). The cloudy weather was perfect for the event as those in attendance tapped their feet to the jazz music played by DJ Usina while they awaited the proceedings of the launch to begin.

Radio personality Botlhe Moseki aka Mmamorogo of RB2 fame was the MC of the event. She smoothed the transitions from guests to guest when her sense of humour, easy laughter and soothing voice.

The founding director and CEO of BOSJE Akhutleng Mogami told the audience that the organisation wanted to provide step-by-step practical advice to those who wanted to play jazz and help them reach their potential. “We want to reach out to those who upcoming artists and help them fuel their passion and improve their craft,” she said.

Another speaker, Eldonna May told the audience that to her, jazz was a form of storytelling where people sang their personal experiences. She also revealed that it used to be called the devils music in the olden days and that it had its roots in the urban environment.

In between the speeches, Kingdom Arts Marimba Band and BOSJE big band impressed the audience with their captivating performances but it was an impromptu performance by Mogami and her fellow musician from the BOSJE big band who both played saxophones. They played a set consisting of fours songs that included a slow jam, a blues song, a fast paced song and one in which he sang the flute. After the formalities, those in attendance let their hair loose and danced away to the beautiful music.