Leroy Nyoni is a multi-talented artist whose ability to curate exceptional musical experiences sets him apart. As the founder of the crossover jazz band WDP, he continues to redefine Botswana’s music landscape with groundbreaking rearrangements of contemporary songs, seamlessly blending jazz with elements of the country’s rich musical heritage. Through their dynamic performances and bespoke concerts, WDP is dedicated to bridging the gap between tradition and modernity, creating unforgettable experiences for their audiences.
Botswana has a vibrant history of musical outfits that have made their mark at various levels. Some, like rock band Skinflint and folk-jazz stars Sereetsi & the Natives, have flown the flag internationally, while others have become household names locally. WDP pays homage to all these contributors to Botswana’s sonic landscape. Their debut album, The Bechuanaland Sessions: Phase 1, is a testament to this, featuring instrumental renditions of local hits such as Samantha Mogwe’s “Transition” and Dramaboi’s “Sala le nna.” During live performances, audiences are treated to additional songs that didn’t make the album, further showcasing the band’s versatility and depth.
The melodic brilliance of WDP is driven by Thero Seleka’s masterful guitar work, complemented by Michael Mokgatitswane on bass and Tebogo Gaetsewe’s powerful vocals. Nyoni, the band’s founder, doubles as conductor and drummer, while Maleho Makgothi works his magic as the sound engineer, transforming even the most intimate spaces into majestic concert halls. This ensemble delivered sold-out shows at Molapo Crossing in early February, weaving together renditions of Mpho Sebina’s “Loves Light,” MMP Family’s “Tlala ka lepantsula,” and Stagga’s “It gets crazy.” The performances were further elevated by spontaneous collaborations with artists they cover, such as YAMA winner KX Legit.
As the flagship artist group of All Things Musical—an audio and entertainment agency specialising in event curation and holistic audio solutions—WDP embodies the company’s commitment to artistic excellence. Nyoni, who serves as the Executive and Artistic Director, has played a pivotal role in Botswana’s evolving creative sector. Since 2016, All Things Musical has successfully executed over 40 live music events, contributing to the country’s growing cultural footprint. While this is just a drop in the ocean, it is a significant step toward putting Botswana on the regional map.
According to PwC’s Africa Entertainment and Media Outlook 2024–2028 report, Botswana’s neighbor, South Africa, is part of the continent’s leading trio of markets showing resilience amid global macroeconomic instability. These markets are projected to see revenue growth ahead of the global average, with a compound annual growth rate of 3.9 percent through 2028. While Botswana’s local market may be slower to grow, WDP’s approach of celebrating and elevating Botswana’s music positions them as potential ambassadors for the country’s creative sector.
Nyoni believes that WDP’s success can serve as proof of concept to encourage diversified support for the arts. “Investment from private entities can have a significant ripple effect across the creative value chain,” he says. “From music production and live performance to digital distribution and talent management, financial backing from corporations and private investors can help creatives professionalise their work, scale their businesses, and reach wider markets.”
A thriving creative sector contributes to job creation, tourism, and national branding efforts, and WDP is at the forefront of this movement. With the local music scene growing steadily—evidenced by radio personalities like Mdu Tha Party hosting multi-hour shows featuring exclusively local musicians—it’s only a matter of time before the WDP model inspires similar initiatives. However, even if mimicked, Nyoni’s unique influence and vision cannot be replicated.
Looking ahead, Nyoni promises that 2025 will be an eventful year for WDP, teasing the release of a long-awaited second album. As they continue to deliver world-class entertainment, WDP solidifies its reputation as one of Botswana’s most sought-after live acts, one unforgettable gig at a time.
The road ahead
Nyoni’s vision extends beyond the band’s immediate success. He envisions a future where Botswana’s creative industry is recognised globally, with WDP leading the charge. “We want to create a legacy that inspires the next generation of musicians and creatives,” he says. “Our goal is to show that Botswana has a unique sound and story worth sharing with the world.”
With plans for more collaborations, international tours, and innovative projects, WDP is poised to take Botswana’s music to new heights. Their dedication to excellence, combined with their passion for showcasing local talent, ensures that their journey is only just beginning.
As Nyoni aptly puts it, “There’s no gig like a WDP shindig.” And with each performance, they continue to prove why.
