Mohalenyane Phakela
THE BOLESWA Intervarsity Games are set to kick off with a bang, with a host of big name South African and local artists billed to perform at its opening bash.
The annual event is held on a rotational basis between the University of Botswana, National University of Lesotho (NUL) and National University of Swaziland to foster solidarity and mutual friendship among the students. This year, the games will be held in Lesotho from 14 – 19 March 2016 with the organisers including a live musical show for the first time.
According to NUL Student Representative Committee deputy leader, Lekhafola Kaloli, the bash would be held at Thaba Bosiu Cultural Village on 12 March 2016 and organised by entertainment outfit Rock The City SA in conjunction with Vodacom Lesotho.
Among the heavy-hitters lined up to perform at the fiesta are Cassper Nyovest, Professor, NaakMusiq, Dr Malinga, Prince Kaybee, Heavy K, Mpumi, Fifi Cooper, Nokwazi, DJ Micks, Mono T, Muungu Afrika, Character, DJ Mlungu, Trademark, Zinhle, The Josh and DJ Lyquid from South Africa, and AfroDJ, Lakabane, 3RDCode, Juvy, Bootz, Paycetra and Taemane from Lesotho.
Kaloli told the Weekender this week that they decided to raise the bar by holding the bash to ensure a memorable event.
“We used to have build-up activities for the games by holding the Miss NUL pageant and mini soccer leagues between the university and the Institute of Extra Mural Studies but never a musical fiesta,” he said.
“So, this year we decided to set the bar high for our visitors from Botswana and Swaziland.
“We were inspired by the entertainment provided by the organisers in Botswana during last year’s inter-varsity games. We partied every day and, thus, compelled to come up with something bigger than that.”
Kaloli said they engaged Lesotho-born promoter and Rock The City SA owner, Lehlohonolo Nthontho, who is responsible for the line-up, to sponsor and market the event.
“Nthontho blew us away with the concept he came up with, and we even have billboards in Gaborone (Botswana) and Mbabane (Swaziland) for the show,” he said.
“With the large number of people we are expecting, we realised that the NUL campus could not accommodate all the revelers, hence our opting for Thaba Bosiu Cultural Village because it is not only bigger, but showcases Lesotho’s cultural legacy.”
The foreign acts, Kaloli said, were meant to attract more revellers to the show and not to undermine local artists.
“We take pride in local talent, but if we were to strictly keep the line-up local, only a few people would attend the event,” he said.
“The show is meant to make a lasting impression and that is why we brought in the crowd pullers from South Africa, complemented by local artists.”
