Curated by a team of veteran musicians and cultural advocates, the event promises to be a dynamic mixture of heritage and contemporary jazz sounds. The organisers said the festival is poised to be a pivotal platform for jazz and its affiliated genres, celebrating both the storied past and the vibrant future of music. Sipho ‘Hotstix’ Mabuse, the festival’s director and a renowned figure in the jazz community, shared his vision for this groundbreaking event. “As a jazz musician who has graced many stages here in Gaborone, I am profoundly excited to bring the Diamond City Jazz Festival to life,” Mabuse said. “This festival is not only a tribute to the rich musical heritage we have inherited but also a beacon for the future, showcasing emerging talents alongside seasoned jazz maestros,” he added. Furthermore, the jazz maestro stated the festival would not only feature performances from a diverse line-up of artists from across the region but would also pay special homage to the historical significance of Gaborone as a sanctuary for musicians during turbulent times in Southern Africa. “Gaborone has been more than just a venue for artists; it has been a refuge.
Legends like Bra Hugh Masekela found a home and a stage here amidst the storms of their own country. This festival is our way of thanking Botswana and its people for their enduring support and love for the arts,” Mabuse said. In addition to live performances, the Diamond City Jazz Festival would offer mentorship workshops under the theme ‘Exporting Botswana Pina’. The organisers said these workshops aim to foster the development of local artists and prepare them for international stages, enhancing the creative industry in Botswana. Mabuse also indicated that their goal was to nurture talent and facilitate creative exports that would put Botswana on the global arts map. He said the festival was committed to both celebrating Botswana’s own vibrant talent and introducing audiences to international artists, thereby creating a rich cultural exchange. Additionally, he said melding of local and international influences was essential for the growth of their artists and the enrichment of their audience.
