SA, Nigerian, Angolan artists confirmed for Gaborone fest

Jonathan Butler (South Africa/US) and Grammy winner Kirk Whalum (US) were announced in February and will now be joined by Riky Rick (South Africa), Prince Kaybee (South Africa), OkMalumKoolkat (South Africa), Mafikizolo (South Africa), Mr Ibu (Nigeria) and Diva Ary (Angola). The local artists confirmed so far are Vee, MMP Family, Robin and Brando, DJ Izzy, DJ Bhibho, Hapex Guru, DJ Mcluvun, SbiTechn, SkinFlint, Stany Stan and Rhy Wa Lehipi.

Event organiser Fish Pabalinga told local media that more artists would be announced later in the year. “We have released 90% of the line-up and already people are looking forward to seeing Mafikizolo, Prince Kaybee, OkMalumKoolkat, Vee, MMP Family, Riky Rick and many more,” he said.

Last year’s GIMC gained popularity after South African DJ Black Coffee was announced to play at the festival. But Pabalinga said the GIMC also wanted to expose lesser known artists to the public.  “The GIMC isn’t based on a single artist or marketed around personalities,” he said. “Remember, GIMC is a weeklong event that culminates in a final show held at the national stadium.”

The event also hosts a workshop designed to benefit local and visiting artists. However, Pabalinga said he was disappointed at the poor attendance of local artists. “We host a free workshop for artists that is directed by the visiting artists and local artists hardly show up, which is a pity because they miss a lot. It is a platform that we spend so much money and effort in creating,” he said.