The event returns for its fourth edition this Saturday at the National Museum. In an interview with Arts & Culture, the co-founder of Backyard Stories, Thoriso Bogwasi, stated that Backyard Stories is a platform to ameliorate musicians’ careers by giving the right limelight that most yearn for to share their talent. Bogwasi outlined that most artists are overshadowed by the heavyweights in the industry hence the need for events like Backyard Stories.
“Backyard Stories was born from a desire to celebrate and showcase talents of Botswana’s artists and musicians more especially the upcoming ones who struggled with their craft back in 2017,” Bogwasi said.
Bogwasi further elaborated that Backyard Stories is not mainly about giving artists platform but also to dig deep into their backgrounds like the title suggests ‘Backyard Stories’.
“We also want to know more of the stories behind the artists and their art hence why the Backyard Stories,” he said. On other issues, he stated that their wish is to incessantly promote and support Botswana’s art and culture industry, provide stage for local artists and showcase their work to a wider audience by creating a space where people can come together and listen to the talent. He expressed that they also wish to host the event quarterly to be able to get more talents on board.
Though the event is in its fourth anniversary, Bogwasi bemoaned that it is yet to realise its full potential. “We have been having a challenge introducing a large audience to the sober entertainment like Backyard Stories and it remains important to find creative and effective ways to reach our target audience and convince them to attend our event in large numbers,” he said. Among the performers expected on Saturday include Deena G who has a collaboration with South African artist Mpho, Wav.
The duo has a single called Close to You. Other acts in the lineup are Fab, Ice D, Blair, Magadi, Malum Charlie, Artfield, Stretch, Panashe and Lefika. The event is set to kickstart at 5pm till 10pm. Tickets for the event sell for P60 early bird, P100 single, and P180 double.
