Botswana: GIMC unveils line-up, dates for 2019 edition

The event, which will run under the theme Celebrate Diversity, Celebrate Botswana Arts, will be held in Gaborone from 31 August to 7 September.

Other confirmed artists include DJ Fresh (South Africa), Black Motion (South Africa), Shekhinah (South Africa) and A-Reece (South Africa). Local musicians who are scheduled to perform are Motlha, Charma Gal, Ndingo Johwa, Khoi San, Vee, ATI, Tony’s Crazy Disco and Chrispin The Drummer.

“Fans should expect the best line-up,” event organiser Thapelo Pabalinga told Music In Africa. “We have put together eight shows in one week starting with jazz, a champagne party, theatre, poetry, choral, comedy and the festival. There will be lots of fun and variety of things on offer.

“GIMC is the only event in Botswana and possibly Africa that runs for a week and covers all aspects of arts and culture. It gives artists in Botswana the opportunity to perform on a big international stage alongside more than 50 artists.”

Pabalinga added that local businesses would benefit greatly from the event.

“The value chain the festival has created is immense," he said. "The event is benefiting small, medium and micro-sized enterprises [SMMEs] in the food and beverage industries, transport, sound and lighting, security, accommodation, ablutions and many others.

“We work with SMMEs to help us execute the festival. An investment of 3 million pula [$280 000] goes into the festival and we get around 10 million pula during the festival. We are proud of this."

Visit the GIMC Facebook page here.