‘City of Gospel Worship Show’ for charity
Nnasaretha Kgamanyane | Sunday July 16, 2023 06:00
Thankfully, there are good Samaritans like Mpeleki July, a teacher by profession, who is also the founder of Mpeleki July Trust Foundation. July found it fit to come up with a 100% local artists’ gospel show to raise funds to assist needy children.
Dubbed ‘City of Gospel Worship Show’, the charitable event will be held on September 2, 2023, at Molapo Crossing Piazza. Addressing the media on Tuesday, July said as a teacher at Motswedi Junior Secondary School and a mother of three, she has been touched by instances where students miss classes because they either do not have transport fare or can’t afford uniforms.
She added that in most cases, such students were from underprivileged families. She said this prompted her to do something to extend a helping hand, hence the show. “This show will also empower local artists.
It will give them exposure. We also want to prove to Batswana that we do have immense talent in this country and do not need international artists to host a successful event. We want to host shows that can pull crowds. The good thing about our show is that it will bring Christians from different church dominions under one roof,” she excitedly announced.
July added that there would be different gospel artists from Zion, Clap n Tap, Pentecost and other gospel genres. She also said there would be other events prior to the main event where the community is encouraged to come in large numbers and support charity. She pointed out that they have also partnered with health practitioners who would be educating the public about Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs). She explained that this is because NCDs continue to claim many lives. She also said revellers would have a chance to do some tests like diabetes and high blood since they lobby for a healthy nation. Moreover, she added that they would be raising awareness about gender-based violence (GBV). She appealed for sponsorship and support saying it was painful to see children who were clearly living in underprivileged families going to school on empty stomachs, having no school shoes or decent, full and warm uniform, saying through that initiative, many children’s lives would be changed.
For his part, the Botswana Musicians Union (BOMU) president, Phemelo ‘Fresh’ Lesokwane applauded July for being bold enough to host an event of such magnitude as a woman in a male-dominated industry. “As BOMU, we aim to support all artists who intend to host events that support and elevate fellow artists. I urge the public to support local artists.
I plead with the public to support 100% local talent. Buy tickets and support all events that are planned for the show. Even if you cannot attend, support by buying tickets for someone else.
I urge the media to also give local shows support instead of running after shows with international artists. Cover us,” he pleaded. The organisers of the show disclosed that 60% of the artists on the line-up are women and the event will also be inclusive of artists living with disabilities. Tickets for the show are available at all Spar outlets and sell for P200 general, P500 golden circle and P1,200 VIP.