Chippa Legodimo
21 April 2008
music review
The launch of Culture Spears' third album, Khudu can only be described as a massive success.
The event was not short of star performances and judging by the number of people who attended it, the recently released piece is bound to do just like its predecessor, Kulenyane or even surpass it.
Zebras Club in Mogoditshane where the youngsters launched their CD, was packed to capacity. The performances, especially at night, were simply superb save for some few groups, especially the up coming ones who seemed overawed by the occasion. It started on a low key at 11am, as the new groups that opened the show did not enjoy the same kind of audience who cheered their more experienced colleagues like Franco and Jeff Matheatau.But Serowe based Pheko appeared eager to impress everyone. They have been doing most of their performances in the northern part of the country; so it was time for them to try to reach a bigger audience - and they grabbed the opportunity with both hands.
The youngsters released their album last week and the invitation to perform at the star-studded show provided them with a rare opportunity to market their product. Newly formed Matsosa Ngwao had their chance as well and although they could not create the same hype as the hosts (Culture Spears) they also made people sit up and listen.
Celebrity artistes like Franco, Matheatau, Shirly Mokokwe, Vomit and Culture Spears also proved that they are still alive and well despite the emergence of new groups.Vomit is currently the king of Dikhwaere with his chart topper Tsaya Thobane and when he dished it out just after mid-night fans joined in the chorus and somehow drowned the voice from the sound system.
Those who thought Matheatau's relocation from Gaborone to Orapa would ruin his music were proven wrong. For it was apparent that fans had clearly been missing him. Bursting onto stage with his dancers dressed in blue Cowboy outfits, the likeable Rhumba maestro received a standing ovation from the excited crowd. Saturday was supposed to be Franco's big day as he only completed his wedding ceremony in the afternoon and most newly weds would have preferred to go on their honeymoon. But for this former soldier, it was back to business just a few hours after the nuptials.
Tshutshu makgala, was the track that he greeted his fans with and set the right tone. By the time he played his "new" song aimed at Botswana Musicians Union (BOMU) for expelling him from the union and the awards, people were now attentive and just followed suit.
Don B, with his Baby girl, Banna wee, Bana ba di dot com and Banyana ba Serowe and disco fans got their slice of the cake. Boasting about his good voice also seemed to excite the audience. It was one of those occasions when the new liquor regulations were applied and by 02:00 am on Sunday when revellers were still expecting more from their stars, everyone was told it was time to leave.
Although there were no "incidents" the people were clearly not ready for such 'load-shedding" and it took a long time for them to finally disperse, even after the music was switched off.
Police and soldiers on patrol, were on hand, hence there were no ugly scenes.
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