Despite that, preparations for the annual multi-disciplinary event, which is held in Gaborone around September are currently at an advanced stage with less than a month before the festivities get underway.
In its eighth year, the week-long event has continued to grow in leaps and bounds, achieving success. The organisers have been releasing information for all the different disciplines in staggered phases.
This week they released what they say is the final line-up for one of the popular GIMC activities, the music festival. The line-up features among others, DJ Maphorisa, Makhadzi, Mafikizolo, EmTee, DJ Ngwazi, Vee Mampeezy, Charma Gal, Franco & Afro Musica, FME DJ’s, Team Distant and Ancestral Rituals. Upon publishing a heavy line-up, the founder of GIMC Thapelo ‘Fish’ Pabalinga said despite the growth and successes attained in the last years, sponsorship is still a struggle. He also said due to the situation, they are forced to do more with less in order for the event to be successful.
He stated that like other local events, the GIMC still finds it hard to get sponsorship as multi-national companies look away when approached by organisers. “It’s still a struggle. Botswana events are the poor cousins.
International companies with presence in South Africa and Botswana prefer to sponsor only in RSA,” said Pabalinga. As it is, except for the partnership with Collections by BK Proctor, the organisers are yet to announce any big money sponsor for this edition. Sponsorships are a critical part in event management and hosting.
Festivities for this year’s edition of GIMC will commence with the Fitness and Aerobics, Jazz and Champagne Picnic from August 26-28, then theatre, choral, poetry, comedy, Clap ’n Tap and end with the music festival on September 3.
The events will happen on different dates in that order. The line-up for the GIMC jazz festival comprises Ringo, Judith Sephuma, Mpho Sebina, Sereetsi & The Natives, Dati Seiko, Samantha Mogwe, Fifi Africa and Bakang Lenyaola.
For comedy show, there is Tips Shampoo, Chris Mapane, Rib Cracker, Bambino, Mawee, Penene Ponono, Triccss, Brian Sibanda, Bals and Donah BW while Macecilia A St Paul will serenade fans with their music during the choral event.
For theatre, the organisers have lined up Ikakanyeng Performing Artists for this edition while Dineo tsa Tumelo, Soul Redeemers, Angels of God and Isaac & the Mighty Messengers. Ticket prizes for the festivities vary according to the different disciplines.
