Chronicle Editor
Mkhululi Ncube, Showbiz Reporter
Rhumba-starved fans in Botswana on Sunday wetted their appetite with a sold-out show by Mxolisi “Mr Bones” Ndlovu and his Garamtata’s Finest band in Gaborone.
Most rhumba musicians have made South Africa, in particular Hillbrow Theatre, their home ground although many have struggled to fill up the venue.
With a good number of Zimbabweans residing in Botswana, they have been left out of the picture by musicians and when the Gaxani Amajazi hit-maker invaded the neighbouring country, fans were ready.
The show was held at a night club in Mogoditshane, a suburb not far from the city centre of the Botswana capital.
Mr Bones said the Botswana show’s attendance showed him that they have a fan base in that country that they have not been serving.
“This was my best show for 2021 in terms of numbers. The venue was filled to the rafters. As rhumba musicians, we’ve been starving our fans in that country of music. Their support cannot be compared to what we’re getting in South Africa.
“Even the owner of the nightclub, who at first seemed to underrate us when we arrived, was shocked as he ran out of his beer stocks, something that he confessed has never happened when musicians from that country play at his spot,” said Mr Bones.
The Bulilima-born musician said even a show by that country’s songstress Slizer could not match the numbers that he pulled.
He said he has since been getting many inquiries from promoters in that country who want to book him for performances.
“I know I’ll be back soon to play, not only in Gaborone, but other cities as there’re Zimbabweans resident there. I urge my fellow musicians to spread their wings and tap into some of these markets,” Mr Bones said.
But for now, the artiste said his focus is on Zimbabwe where he is set to play at a number of shows during the festive season in areas that include Tsholotsho and Plumtree. – @themkhust.
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