Artists pay tribute to late trumpeter Mmusi

LEKOPANYE MOOKETSI
Correspondent | Tuesday March 9, 2010 00:00

 

Even outside the venue, cars were everywhere, it was difficult to find parking space.  The Millennium garden was also teeming with revellers who attended the show.  Other people who could not afford the entrance fee, kept vigil on the other side of the road. 

Mmusi, who used to perform with Lister Boleseng, died in a car accident in his home village of Kanye earlier this year. He was also a member of the Botswana Defence Force (BDF) band.

On Sunday, local musicians organised a festival as the best way to pay tribute to the talented trumpeter. 

Actually, some of the artists, who were supposed to perform were left out because of limited time.  

Some of the groups, which participated included Abraxas, Ras Diva, Twelve Tribe, Franco, Dikakapa, Mr Magic, DT, Donald 'Don-B' Botshelo, Kabo Leburu, and Sparks.  The Norwegian based Banjo Mosele of the Ntsa E Jele Ntsanyana fame performed with Bra Malombo Mmereki.  The two veteran musos are quite a combination on the stage.

Some of the artists who did not manage to participate included Shanti-Lo and Nono Siile. But those that participated gave a good account of themselves.  However, due to the time limit, some of the groups could only perform about two songs before they left the stage.  

Boleseng performed with Medupe band.  It was quite an emotional show for Boleseng who had organised the concert.  This was the first time that he was performing with Medupe band, without Mmusi. 

You could tell that something was amiss from the band.  But the show still went on successfully. 

Boleseng's group enthralled the audience even though they were let down by the poor sound system.  This time there was also a woman vocalist in the ensemble. 

Judging by the good turnout, the tribute show was a success.

Following the Sunday show, the Millennium Restaurant has lined up a number of gigs by local artists this year. 

Meanwhile, Boleseng also had a close shave with death over the weekend.  This followed a road accident after a BMW rammed into his car from behind in Gaborone.  Boleseng said he could have been thrown out of the car had he not been wearing a seatbelt.