Sephuma Leads a Stellar GIMC Jazz Billing

Botswana was once again treated to the vocal stylings of the indomitable Judith Sephuma as she headlined the Gaborone International Music & Culture Week Jazz affair. The event, orchestrated by founder and veteran lifestyle curator Fish Pabalinga, featured a line-up of musos befitting of its return to splendour following the pandemic warranted haitus. Launching its reprise with a Champagne Picnic in December 2021, the minds and hands behind GIMC have maintained their commitment to offering world-class entertainment in the land of diamonds with a slew of unmissable outings. [ihc-hide-content ihc_mb_type="show" ihc_mb_who="1,2,3,4" ihc_mb_template="1" ] Now in its eighth year of existence, the music and culture week boasts a selection of choral music, comedy, jazz and the centrepiece music festival. The jazz festival, which had Absa Botswana as a sponsor, served as the official opening and was hosted at the illustrious Gaborone International Convention Centre at The Grand Palm Hotel Casino Convention Resort. At first glance, the schedule seemed too packed to be executable, with 10 acts filling slots from early evening until the wee hours of the morning, but the challenge was met and conquered. Mcjon Mosenene – multitalented culinary consultant, DJ and GIMC brand ambassador – welcomed the audience with an eclectic set and continued to hold the fort throughout the night. DJ Trax tag-teamed with Mosenene, also offering entertaining interludes between the live singers. Fresh from her outstanding show at Maitisong Theatre, Dato Seiko opened the evening’s performances. Seiko, who is primarily known for their emotive RnB songs including ‘Kaone Kario’ and ‘Phenyo Ke Yo,’ presented some new music with a significantly jazzy twist. The young star proved their star power and set the bar for those who would follow on stage. Picking up the tempo, Bakang Lenyaola brought the audience to their feet and anyone who might have confessed having old bones was certain to throw caution to the wind with willingness to suffer the consequences. While many a young person often thinks of jazz as a restrictive musical form when it comes to dancing, the movement in the auditorium proved otherwise. GIMC regulars, Samantha Mogwe and Mpho Sebina, stepped up to the plate, flanking Sephuma’s appearance in what would be a triple dose of womanpower. Mogwe, dressed in a fantastical golden robe with statement shoulders and tassels, gave a noteworthy performance that featured reimagined versions of some of her popular hits. Sebina’s ethereal melodic runs flooded the venue as listeners swayed along, transporting them even higher after the headliner’s enthralling performance. For her part, Sephuma didn’t hold back; the band’s entry to the stage belying the orbital launch that was to ensue. The South African Music Award winning musician from Seshego in the Limpopo province entranced the audience from the first note she sang. Her disarming charm relayed in the breaks she’d take between belting out her contagious tunes, all seeming familiar yet new. From ‘Mme Motswadi’ to ‘Le Tshephile Mang’ and the gospel number, ‘Tlo Moya O Halalelang,’ Sephuma entered into a reciprocal embrace with the audience. When it came time for ‘A Cry, A Smile, A Dance’ – a song that is synonymous with early 2000s South African jazz – even those who may not have known the words were ready to join in the chorus. The night was capped off by international sensation, Sereetsi & the Natives. The ‘Thaa Kokome’ and, recently, ‘Petere’ hit-makers ensured that the flight landed safe and sound, but not without their signature brilliance. Pabalinga and his team continuously set the standard higher and higher for themselves by attracting acts that are rigorous about their craft, and GIMC serves as proof that the key to excellence is practice, practice and perseverance. [/ihc-hide-content]

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Sephuma Leads a Stellar GIMC Jazz Billing

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