The event will feature local and international artists who will serve the patrons soothing sounds from 3pm until 11pm.
These include Kingdom Arts, Gabopatwe, Edwin, Savannah, The Fleek Band, Ayanda, Kethamile ft Mario on the Sax, Hydro Molefe and DJ Bertango.
The Alliance Française Gaborone, a language and cultural centre this year collaborated with Orange Botswana, Orange Botswana Foundation, Boehringer Ingelheim and AGS to host the festival.
In a statement, Alliance Française Gaborone said besides the performances, patrons will also be treated to unique foods, educational activities and creative arts stalls for artwork viewing.
“The event will not take place at our usual venue but will take place at the Alliance Française new plot in Village (Plot No. 4922) on Saturday, September 23, 2023 from 15:00-23:00,” read the statement.
The statement further states that the Fête de la Musique (World Music Day) started in 1982 when the French Minister of Culture at the time, Jack Lang and the director of music and dance, Maurice Fleuret, discovered that five million people in France played an instrument yet the only musical events that were organised concerned a minority of French people.
Thus, Fête de la Musique was born to allow a greater population of musicians to express themselves and to make themselves known. Citizens and residents are urged to play music outside their neighbourhood or in public spaces and parks and free concerts are organised to allow musicians to play. The first Fête de la Musique was celebrated in Paris in 1982.
Ever since then, the festival has become an international phenomenon, celebrated on the same day in more than 700 cities in 120 countries, including in Gaborone. The Alliance Française of Gaborone belongs to a worldwide non-profit network and provides French, English and Setswana classes. It is more than just a school as it offers one of the experiences of diverse cultural and social events and activities. Entrance to the event is free.
