Verbal Emancipation

Blessed, I was lucky enough to be invited to Verbal Emancipation, a multi-talent showcase event where Maru A Pula high school students shared poems, raps,songs and drama pieces centered around the theme, "What Is It To Be Human?". It was a chance for MaP students who might otherwise be too scared to take to the stage to showcase some of their hidden talents and original pieces - as well as an opportunity to learn from outside performers (be they budding stars, professionals or amateurs). There was a great energy in Maitisong with the audience (mostly MaP students with a few parents)very excited and ready to be entertained. The performers were energetic and keen to put on a show. I am young enough to remember the thrill of watching my peers have their moment in the spotlight, and old enough to know that there is more to creativity and self expression than having "swag". High-school is very much about rebellion and fitting in, finding yourself and letting go. We can't help but compare note on experiences and emotions and try to gauge where we belong in our social landscape. I am thrilled that the students took to poetry, rap, singing and other creative forms of expressing themselves. My only gripe is that a lot of the material seemed to be inspired by 'the Bronx' more than Botswana. I know we are bombarded by music videos and TV shows and albums and interviews by people a thousand kilometres away and it's difficult to ignore. I implore local rappers, singers and poets to reach higher and reach out to our youth so that we may develop a truly local culture of spoken and musical self-expression. A lot of the poetry and spoken words events hosted in Gaborone are during weekdays and exclude a younger audience who have school commitments. We need to bridge the age gap and inspire one another within our immediate environment, only then will we make art true to ourselves. Congratulations to the Maru a Pula team on hosting a well attended, mind stimulating event. Hope to see more where that came from!

The Absolute Thursday Khuli Chana Experience!

Blessed! Crazy is not the word. Try insane. Chaotic. Hype. Madness!!! Now before I start I should state very clearly that I don't get out much... My scene is chill sessions, poetry sessions and camping vibes. I am the definition of the word CHILL. So I was not ready for this... The night started out slowly with people trickling onto the Game City roof terrace which was the venue for the show. As it progressed the sound got louder, the car park got busier and the line at the bottom of the stairs got longer and longer until it was a huge crowd of people trying to get in. The promise of Khuli had all of GC and their chanas ready for an epic night! I was nervous, being out at night with my camera always has me on edge and being of a non-alcoholic persuasion, I didn't have the luxury of a few drinks to ease me in, so I pumped myself up with a couple of RedBulls and dove into taking pictures. The crowd was amped with the DJ's setting the mood for a real banger and a healthy mix of House and Hip Hop. On the decks were Groove Cartell, DJ Lexx, DJ Root, DJ Phouboy, T-Izzy, DJ Casper, DJ Fauz, DJ Cashmoney, DJ Unanimous 1 and Urban House Beats as well as performances by MIX LOSO, NOELLO, CHROME, KEB and SASA KLAAS. It really didn't matter that I didn't know who half those people were (as I said, I REALLY don't get out much)cos the crowd was loving it! The end of month/ long weekend/ full moon madness was in full swing. When Khuli Chana finally performed the crowd wend BANANAS! He really knows how to put on a show and exploded with energy as soon as he hit the stage. With hits like Tswa Daar, Hape le Hape, Freshe (Out The Box) and other favourites. His high energy beats and interactive Motswako rap style had the audience bouncing as he jumped up and down the stage. He really fed off the crowd and definitely made it worth the wait to see him. Hardy for those who didn't get there early, just getting into the gig was a huge mission! They had to contend with a huge crowded, lenyora infested line with take-no-shit bouncers and one very skinny entrance. A better organisational flow would have smoothed out the whole night and made it much more enjoyable, but logistical issues aside, I think it was a hugely successful event. Don't know if I will brave the GC nightlife again but it will definitely have a lot to live up to. Much love to Khuli for coming out and making Gabs pop off for the night!