Staff Reporter
THOUSANDS thronged Setsoto Stadium for the much-awaited Lesotho Times Fanfest and one can easily run out of superlatives to describe the festive mood that overtook Maseru on the day.
From the line-up, to the actual performances, the gig was nothing short of exquisite while the weather somewhat endorsed the festivities. The heavens withheld the heavy rains that pounded on Sunday afternoon while the cold breeze that has blown over Maseru since must have looked enviously.
Revellers who thronged Setsoto Stadium for the festival that was aimed at celebrating the Lesotho Time’s over a decade of service to the country had nonstop fun.
From the young and sizzling Sho Madjozi and Nasty C, the seasoned Trompies to the granddads of showbiz, Oliver Mtukudzi and Tshepo Tshola, the show was one made in heaven as evidenced by top-drawer performances.
Organisers of the event told the Weekender in the aftermath of the event that they were extremely pleased with the turnout and the performances.
“For a huge line-up as we had, you expect nothing but the best and we are pleased that the artistes exuded extreme professionalism coupled with excellent artistry,” said Refiloe Mohlotsane, of Plan A, who were tasked with organising the event.
Part of the crowd at the Fanfest
“Basotho love to have fun and we are happy we gave them that. We have set a new standard for showbiz and we hope organisers of future events either maintain the same standards or set new ones.”
Among the visiting performers were Thami who gave an exquisite performance, Sho Madjozi who was here usual energetic self, the soothing Lady Zamar, the refreshing Amanda Black, Lerato Kganyago and several others.
However, it has to be AKA, Kwesta, Mtukudzi and the Village Pope who won many hearts. While the rest were still excellent on stage, there is always an aura that goes with a seasoned performer which the quartet exhibited on stage.
Local performers also gave a good account of themselves at the show.
Lady Zamar
Mohlotsane said talks are already underway to make the festival an annual event.
“Lesotho needs more of such events and we are in discussions with various stakeholders to weigh the options. While such events serve different purposes depending on one’s vantage point, it is for the greater good of Lesotho to have more considering the current drive to increase the number of visitors to the country.
“Although we cannot tell how many people travelled into the country for the event, we sold hundreds of tickets to revelers from South Africa. Such people bring in revenue in many different ways when they travel to the country.
“The temptation is to compete with other events but the truth is that we always can achieve more when we are united. Show organisers have to unite and speak with one voice to ensure that we achieve a common goal,” Mohlotsane said.
She expressed gratitude to their partners among them Maluti Mountain Brewery, Sefalana Liquor Lesotho, Diageo, AVANI Hotels, Vodacom Lesotho, Perfect Car Rental, JCDecaux, D2 Graphix, Afro Media and PC FM.
“We are grateful to our partners who stood by us all the way to ensure that the event was a success. We can always achieve more when we are united and we hope that our government and other stakeholders realise that the arts are an industry so that the rest of the country can treat the arts seriously as we have proven with this event,” Mohlotsane said.
