Botswana: Kearoma Rantao to play World Charity virtual gig

25 Aug 2020 - 11:10

Published under the Creative Commons Licence

Botswana Afro-jazz artist Kearoma Rantao will perform at the World Charity virtual concert on 25 August.

Botswana Afro jazz artist Kearoma Rantao.

The concert is courtesy of Indonesian organisation Human Initiative and is part of the annual World Humanitarian Day commemorations. Celebrated every year on 19 August, World Humanitarian Day is dedicated to recognising humanitarian personnel and those who have lost their lives working for humanitarian causes.

The event will be broadcast on the Human Initiative YouTube channel and Facebook page from 14.30pm to 5pm (CAT). Other featured musicians include Sisonke Xonti (South Africa), Steve Hunter (Australia), Boris Savoldelli (Italy) and Beledo (Uruguay/US), as well as Indonesian artists Ivan Nestorman, Putri Ayu Silaen and Dwiki Dharmawan.

“I am very excited and over the moon,” Rantao told Music In Africa. “This to me is a big opportunity to represent my continent Africa and my country Botswana. Opportunities like this do not come every day and collaborating with great musicians from other continents is a big thing for me as a growing artist from a small country like Botswana. So I am truly grateful.

“I was chosen and recommended by the Indonesian ambassador in South Africa, Salman Al Farasi, whom I met two years ago in Botswana. He loved my music and promised to introduce me to great Indonesian jazz musicians. We also met last year with Dwiki Dharmawan and his jazz band at the Joy of Jazz festival. A lot was discussed including how we can collaborate and exchange cultures, which is one of the most important things for us as musicians to do. So this was only an opportunity not to lose. I am glad.”

Commenting on the importance of World Humanitarian Day during the COVID-19 pandemic, Rantao said: “As an artist, my career, family, country, Africans and the rest of the world is affected. Without aid and health workers, where will we be? I am also touched and the most I can do is to dedicate my time, use my voice and partner with other musicians around the world to give hope to people. It's vital and that's the role we play, too, as musicians. We give hope to people.”