Jonathan Butler to headline GIMC
Maureen Odubeng | Wednesday March 23, 2016 13:54
The South African-born star who currently resides in the United States of America (USA), will share the stage with renowned local acts. Sereetsi and the Natives, Botswana Ensemble made up of Ndingo Johwa, Lister Boleseng, Nnunu Ramogotsi, Banjo Mosele and Lekofi Sejeso amongst others.
Many who have been following the event will remember that the Jazz show was previously the closing event.
GIMC founder, and managing director of Leapfrog, Thapelo ‘Fish’ Pabalinga told Showbiz that they decided to create a bigger focus around the jazz show this year.
He added that moving the jazz show forward was also motivated by customer suggestions.
This will be the first time for the show to feature a musician who is based in USA.
The show has previously featured artists from South Africa, Nigeria, and Namibia.
Butler does not need any introduction to music lovers as he has had many hits throughout his musical career. Some of his universally popular tracks include Take Good Care of Me, More Than Friends, I’m On My Knees, Overflowing, and Holding On, just to mention a few. Butler has written songs for Patti Labelle, Billy Ocean, Al Jarreau, Kenny Loggins and George Benson.
Butler was born in 1961 in Cape Town, South Africa.
He was offered a recording contract by British record label Jive. He moved to London in 1985.
After 12 years in London, Butler and his family moved to New York and then Los Angeles.
Pabalinga excitedly mentioned that they have a new addition this year in the form of theatre.
The Theatre show will feature two immensely talented young men, who have earned names for themselves around the globe, Tefo Paya and Donald Molosi.
Paya’s theatre works include Woza Albert, Sophiatown, 100% Zulu Boy, and the Hill amongst others.
Molosi’s works include Blue, Black and White, and We Are Blue just to mention a few.
The new addition lends diversity to the show, which takes place throughout the week.
GIMC caters for all tastes as it features poetry, international music show,, comedy, culture night and fashion show.
Pabalinga said it is evident that the event has grown, explaining that they are pushing to make the event reach international standards.
He, however, expressed concern that businesses are dragging their feet in supporting such big initiatives.
GIMC with its rich line-up, has the potential to attract people from outside the country, and with its variety of shows, which cater for different tastes the event is bound to attract a diverse crowd.
The event aims, amongst others, to attract tourists to Gaborone with the intention of showcasing Botswana culture to the outside world
The GIMC will run from August 27 to September 3, 2016.