Maxy goes to Abidjan
Chippa Legodimo | Tuesday April 1, 2014 10:59
A veteran of traditional music and one of the pioneers of contemporary recording of the sound in this country, Maxy believes there is more to gain from participating in it. Being part of this popular African festival would not only benefit her as a musician but would also promote local entertainers.
“It is the first time a Southern African musician has been included in this festival. Since its inception seven years ago, FEMUA featured mostly artists in the West Africa and hopefully I can leave a lasting impression. That is exactly what I plan to do. It is good that Botswana would be recognised through my participation,” Maxy told Showbiz.
The Makorakoretsa hitmaker takes a team of nine people on the trip, including her stage manager. She has noted that she would not be performing with a live band, but would be singing over recorded instrumentals of her tracks.
“There are challenges such as transport. For instance, a single ticket costs around P10,000. The other issue is that since it is our first time we first need to go and observe what the festival demands so that we would be fully prepared next time,” she said.
FEMUA (Festival des Musiques Urbaines d’Anoumabo) starts from April 1 to 6. The Botswana representatives will only get their chance to showcase local culture and dance on April 4. Among other things artists taking part in this event are expected to visit some underprivileged communities and conduct motivational talks.
Proceeds from the festival shall be used to build a primary school in a location to be identified by UNESCO in the West African country.
“For me it feels good to know that I will help put a smile on someone’s face while at the same time selling Botswana to the rest of Africa. This is an opportunity for me as an individual musician to learn from renowned international performers,” she said.