It was like 1989!
WeekendLife
The much awaited UB40 concert was totally out of this world this past weekend. Thousands of people thronged the National Stadium to bear witness of the timeless and multi-hit producing group which was here for their second time after their maiden performance in 1989 at the same venue.
UB40 is such an underrated group. Their jams are unlike any other and their sound is simply sublime. There sound never really grows old, which is why “we found it fit to invite them back to Gaborone. Their music blends everything the band stood for, and it’s magical,” revealed Lesego Matenge, the organizer of the concert.
As evidenced by the performance at the National Stadium, I can attest that UB40 is still going strong today, and their music has empowered all of us to grab some red, red wine and take a look at the world around us! When the group finally took the stage on Saturday, one moment stole my heart. I was standing next to a lady, she looked like she was in her 60s. She had the time of her life from the very first song to the last one they did in their two hour set.
The lady was dressed in all white, the entire time she had her eyes closed and her hands firmly holding her chest as if she was holding her heart in place. The lady was a mixed bag of emotions. At one moment she smiled, the smile would later turn into a burst of laughter. You look away, only to find her crying this time around. The process was repeated in no particular order as the band prolifically dished classic hit after hit, much to the excitement of the charged up crowd! The old lady sang along and danced the night away, totally oblivious to her surroundings.
I found myself intrigued by this dear lady, I wanted to get inside her mind and see the beautiful picture she saw. I wanted to borrow her eyes and have a glimpse of the painting she saw, her heart so I could feel the warmth and the seemingly awesome episode of nostalgia she was going through. There was a place which this band took this Mama. A place only she can describe, she had paused for a minute about life as we know it and allowed music to transcend her memories and emotions, landing her in a realm only she can describe. She was in a beautiful space, she had found peace.
My heart was happy, I had the privilege of witnessing something really special, a rare occurrence. It was amazing how I had my own personal experience full of childhood memories of the group and their music, and somebody else in a different age group also had the time of their life, both experiences woven together by the fabric of music. What a beautiful thing music is.
“Red Red Wine” is the song many people think of when they think of UB40. It was a song that was ahead of its time and funky in its delivery. It’s soulful, but funk, punch is what makes “Red Red Wine” a classic in the new wave era, and it’s UB40’s best song. Period. I really enjoyed the performance.
Real music fans know that UB40 are an English reggae and pop band, formed in December 1978 in Birmingham, England. The band has had more than 50 singles in the UK Singles Chart, and has also achieved considerable international success. To have such a renowned group perform, for the second time, in our country is such an honour, we have Lesego Matenge to thank for this gesture. It was a beautiful outing. Security and logistics were on another level.
Just as a personal observation, nobody would have thought that a band named after a British unemployment form would go on to be one of music’s largest acts. UB40 went from being virtually unemployed to being one of music’s best-selling bands, and their blend of pop and reggae has been a hit with fans for over 36 years. Hopefully some of our local musicians take a leaf from this group, though it went on to split, it kept the recipe of the music intact, hence 2017 felt like 1989 to many!
WeekendLife
BOTSWANA TO HOST MISS WORLD 2026
Even though Botswana has over the years been performing extremely poorly at the Miss World competition, the country has confirmed that it will be hosting the beauty festival in 2026. Initially, the country was to host Miss World next year, something it failed to confirm before deadline. Director at Miss Botswana, Benjamin Raletsatsi, says Botswana will be ready then to host all participants. Miss Botswana Top 25 finalists left the boot camp yesterday. Quite shocking though, Miss Botswana team is still failing basics as responding to media inquiries on time yet it is dangerously hoping to host an event of high status
WeekendLife
DJ Sway ‘saved’ the YAMAs
DJ Sway, the daring and ambitious on-air presenter of Yarona FM, played a crucial role in saving the radio station’s music awards, known as the YAMAs. The event was initially dry and disorganized, but DJ Sway, who co-hosted with Pearl Thusi, injected life into the show. However, things took a turn for the worse when Pearl Thusi abruptly left the stage, leaving DJ Sway to carry on alone. Despite the unexpected setback, DJ Sway rose to the occasion and captivated the audience, effectively putting an end to the drama caused by Pearl Thusi.
In an exclusive interview after the YAMAs, DJ Sway revealed the behind-the-scenes chaos that unfolded during the event. He acknowledged the script editors, Phalana and Hope, who worked tirelessly to reedit the script and adapt it to a one-host format. Despite the last-minute changes, DJ Sway remained composed and focused, thanks to the support of his colleagues, such as Owen Rampha, Katlego Rakola, Tshepang Motsisi (DJ Easy), and LB.
When asked about his initial reaction to the unexpected turn of events, DJ Sway admitted to feeling saddened by how things ended. However, he credited Pearl Thusi for giving him a much-needed confidence boost during his moment of doubt. She reminded him that he was destined for greatness and that he didn’t need big stars to succeed. With her words of encouragement, DJ Sway regained his composure and approached the rest of the show with the same professionalism and charisma he displays on the radio.
To overcome the challenges he faced, DJ Sway relied on his radio skills and calm personality. He engaged with the audience as if he were speaking to a single person, pointing out individuals in the crowd to create a more intimate connection. He also expressed gratitude for his backstage team, who provided support and ensured the smooth running of the show.
DJ Sway expressed satisfaction in being seen as the saving grace of the YAMAs. He believed that he fulfilled his role as a host and brought joy to the Yarona FM board, his family, and his fans. Despite his success, DJ Sway’s journey has not been without hardships. He has experienced the loss of his mother and sister, which has left a lasting impact on him. While he continues to grieve, he seeks solace in therapy sessions and relies on his father for emotional support.
DJ Sway’s dedication to his craft and ability to overcome adversity make him a remarkable figure in the radio industry. His vibrant personality and deep knowledge of music have made him a perfect fit for Yarona FM. Despite the challenges he has faced, DJ Sway remains determined to make a positive impact and bring joy to his listeners. With his talent and resilience, there is no doubt that DJ Sway will continue to thrive in his career and leave a lasting legacy in the world of radio.
WeekendLife
Chef Gustos walk of shame
Chef Gustos, the renowned hitmaker, recently experienced what can only be described as a walk of shame at the 8th edition of the Yarona FM Music Awards (YAMAs). Despite being nominated a whopping seven times, he failed to secure a single win. Ouch!
The night was filled with surprises, drama, and controversy, but the biggest winner of the evening was Han C, who walked away with three awards, including Best Pop and Best Male Single for his hit song, “Sebinki.” Han C graciously announced that he would be donating P10,000 from his winnings to his fellow nominees, promoting a spirit of togetherness among artists. What a noble gesture!
Meanwhile, Chef Gustos found himself on the losing end of several categories, including People’s Choice Artist of the Year, which he had won in the past. He seemed unfazed by the loss, stating, “People know that ‘Away’ was big, but they won’t stop me.” It’s clear that Chef Gustos is determined to continue making music, regardless of the awards he receives.
However, he did express his frustration with the outcome, suggesting that the awards may be corrupt. He declined to comment further, citing the need to protect his brand and maintain good relationships with corporate clients. It’s understandable that he wants to avoid any potential damage to his future prospects.
In fact, Chef Gustos went so far as to request that Yarona FM not nominate him for future YAMAs. It seems he wants to distance himself from the disappointment and focus on his music without the pressure of awards. Perhaps this decision will allow him to create freely and without the burden of expectations.
While Chef Gustos may have experienced a walk of shame at the YAMAs, it’s important to remember that awards do not define an artist’s talent or success. His fans still appreciate his music, and he continues to have gigs with corporate clients. So, despite the disappointment, Chef Gustos remains optimistic about his future in the industry.
In the end, the YAMAs may have been a letdown for Chef Gustos, but he’s determined to keep moving forward. He won’t let a lack of awards dampen his spirits or hinder his creativity. And who knows, maybe next time he’ll come back stronger and prove that he’s deserving of recognition. After all, the true measure of an artist’s success lies in the hearts of their fans, not in shiny trophies.