Celebrating friendship the Japanese way
Dumisani Ncube | Tuesday August 9, 2016 18:00
Hirota, who has over 30 years experience as a musician, was accompanied by his ensemble the Taiko Drummers. They staged an interesting act, rarely witnessed in local music festivals.
Hirota and his crew performed nine musical pieces and most of them were instrumentals that had sculpting dynamic landscapes of rhythm and haunting melodies with the themes of nature and beauty.
Hirota and Taiko Drummers played the drums in such a well-choreographed manner bringing out that melody that will lead one to pay attention.
While performing one of his famous songs titled Koriko Bushi, Hirota asked the audience to sing the chorus, which is in Japanese. The audience sang along with some failing to pronounce the words properly, but they enjoyed the music nonetheless.
They played Taiko drums, which most people in this part of the world have only witnessed in Kung Fu movies.
The only noticeable drum was the chū-daiko drum, which is in the shape of a barrel. Drums were of different shapes with a huge one suspended on rails.
On one occasion the experienced multi-percussionist staged a solo act as he played close to five instruments in one piece. The instruments included a tiny flute and various Taiko percussions.
Hirota and the Taiko Drummers played jammed songs such as Haru Ichiban, Chido Setsu, Akita Ondo, Hokkai and Solan Bushi, a traditional folk song.
To spice the performance, Ben Thema Primary School pupils staged a Setswana traditional dance act.
Hirota becomes the second Japanese artist to perform in the country this year shortly after jazz sensation, Sadao Watanabe who staged a memorable performance in Gaborone’s oldest city centre last month.