|
 Botswana
-
Pan in Africa? Yes! Winter in Africa? What? Snow is, indeed a
reality if you are familiar with the atmospheric conditions in
Southern Africa.
In semi-arid Botswana where temperatures seldom go below zero
degrees, panists of Rainbow High School Steelpan Ensemble continue to
show their musical mettle – often with their mokojumbies in tandem.
The Winter School Term was as hectic as any other season for the
students who continue to show that books and pan can certainly dwell
in pantastic harmony.
Annual engagements continue to be honoured with even time to stick
in some new gigs.
Performances this term included a May 22 guest appearance at the Red
Bull sponsored South African touring road show entitled Street Wise.
On JUNE 16 it was “pan on de road” through the streets of Gaborone
as revelers paraded in commemoration of the Soweto Uprising in which
hoards of youths were killed in what was meant to be a peaceful
march for their rights.
 Then on June 24 the Rainbowites teamed up with 34 other performing
groups in Botswana – and numerous more around the world – to
simultaneously celebrate FETE DE LA MUSIQUE. The musical phenomenon
originated in France in 1982 with the Ministry of Culture. The
popular fete continues to be free and open to both amateur and
professional musicians.
On June 26 as part of their outreach programme the panists took time
out to share their talents with resident children of the Cheshire
Foundation in Mogoditshane on the outskirts of the capital.
July 14 realized a joint Musical Assembly between Rainbow Primary
and Rainbow High Schools in which the traditional marimbas merged
with the steelpans to create a hybrid sound. Oh what a feeling.
The term concluded with the band making its debut appearance at the
popular Annual Orange Kabelano Charity Cup at the National Stadium.
The four team football spectacular which also included entertainment
attracted thousands of fans. Artistes included Afro pop artistes in
the likes of Malika from South Africa and the ever popular and
vibrant Kwaito singer, Vee from Botswana as well as the Eskimoes –
the dancing sensations.
The group is managed by yours truly
Hollis Clifton
Africa Correspondent
©2006 When Steel Talks - All Rights Reserved
Related Articles:
Join When Steel Talks Mailing List
click for more on>>
Steelpan In New York
From the
News Desk of When Steel Talks
Share
your opinions
Message Board
or
Email:
opinions@panonthenet.com
-From The Opinion Desk of When Steel Talks
Copyright 2006 -
Basement Recordings, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
ANY REPRODUCTION,
REPRINTING OR COPYING OF THE CONTENTS OF THIS, OR ANY OTHER MATERIAL
- AUDIO, VISUAL OR TEXT - FROM THE
BASEMENT RECORDINGS/WHEN
STEEL TALKS/PANONTHENET
WEBSITES, IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED, WITHOUT THE EXPRESS WRITTEN
PERMISSION OF THE MANAGEMENT OF WHEN STEEL TALKS.
|
Make Sure Your Steelband
Music and Art Collection Is Complete |
|
|
|
