Residents of Botsalano Ward in Francistown will be treated to a free music festival this Thursday at their kgotla.
An initiative of the newly elected Councillor Ontiretse Zuma Bakaile, all the top Francistown based artists are scheduled to perform at the official launch of the ward’s Development Strategy.
An artist who’s a founding member of Dinkwenkgoga Traditional Group, Bakaile has used his influence and connections within the music industry to turn what would usually be a day of long and boring speeches into an exciting event to look forward to.
According to Councillor Bakaile, Botsalano Development Strategy launch is an occasion that will bring people together for a common good.
He said he’s interested in seeing civil servants within Botsalano becoming part of the society they serve.
“It is here that I’ll be introducing some of my initiatives with residents, and all this will be delivered in a relaxed and entertaining atmosphere,” he said.
He further told The Voice that he’s disturbed by the growing number of murder cases and unemployment in the ward.
“As someone who survived through music since leaving school in 2002, I have to inspire young people and encourage them to use their God given talents to eke out a living. It is hard, but with a little bit of focus, sports and arts can be a meaningful source of income. I know what I’m talking about,” Bakaile said.
Bakaile has roped in the likes of MC Maswe and Beauty Queens, Ras T, Dinkwenkgoga, Makolwane a Tandabala, Bana Bana Ba Ntogwa, Tumza and NgwaoPutswa.
Will the musician turned politician perform with Dinkwenkgoga at the event? “I’ll continue to help the group with everything I can, but I’ll not be performing. I however will occasionally put on my traditional attire to perform, for instance when the President is visiting,” he added with a chuckle.