Mohalenyane Phakela
LESOTHO will, on Saturday, host the inaugural Southern Africa Music Festival, at Club De Fasto in Lithabaneng, which is meant to foster collaboration between artists within the region.
The festival’s organiser, Jack Mojapela, told the Weekender from South Africa that the fete would be held on an annual basis and hosted by different countries within the Southern African Development Community region.
“It is very difficult for African artists to share the same stage because very few artists manage to get bookings beyond their borders,” said Mojapela.
“As a result, there are limited platforms for them to interact or collaborate in their music. As the organisers, we believe that the Southern Africa Music Festival will promote solidarity among artists in the region and spur their artistic development.”
He said only artists from Botswana, Lesotho and South Africa were performing in the inaugural edition, with other countries expected to follow suit.
Among the artists performing at the festival is Botswana’s Monde, Makoya, DJ Mo-Africa and P Man, South Africa’s Teddy Bears, General from Chiskop, Chesa, Jonico and Sika Lesotho will be represented by the likes of Spido, Abuti and Mic Checker among others.
“Our intention is for this event to spark a musical in southern Africa that will also foster unity among the people,” Mojapela said.
“The time has come for Africa’s renewal to be taken to a higher level by the continent’s highly gifted and creative musicians. We must embrace the talent bestowed in Africa so that, together, we can conquer the rest of the world.”
